A few years ago I never would have guessed two of my favorite bands would release new albums, let alone a few months apart, but low and behold just weeks after the release of Slowdive's triumphant new LP, Ride presented us with their return engagement, their first since 1996. As talented a bunch as they are, I simply didn't know what direction they were going to go in. Ride's last two LPs were a big leap in sound and style from their earlier shoegaze output, and despite being inspired by today's continuing shoegaze renaissance, who knew if that's where their sound would go. But it did, and it's far greater than I had even hoped. I knew Slowdive had it in them, but Ride surprised me, with this fitting right in as the natural successor to 'Nowhere' and 'Going Blank Again.' As perfect a Ride album as you could ask for.