On the surface it's surprising that Sacramento, CA's Milwaukee aren't more well known than they already are. Featuring the former rhythm section of the much-lauded Far, (band frontman/guitarist John Gutenberger played bass in the aforementioned band, while Chris Robyn handled the drums) the group have a large connection that would seemingly draw herds of fans in. Such an assumption is only compounded all the more by the success that their ex-bandmates Jonah Matranga and Shaun Lopez have achieved with their respective post-Far projects, and yet Milwaukee have still slipped right by most peoples radar.

Upon listening to "...In Sounds" it's not hard to see why Milwaukee haven't attained a level of recognition similar to their former collaborators. A shoe gazing collection of acoustic rock songs accentuated with keyboards, the music they create proudly goes against the grain of what is currently popular. Throughout the course of the record the band fumble through a haze of dreary, yet hopeful rock songs that bring to mind early 90's alternative, without the instruments plugged in. Very charming in its presentation, "...In Sounds" borders between folk, indie and contemporary rock while also enlisting a heavy reliance on acoustics and plodding musicianship - rather than hooks and catchy riffs.

Still, for all its lo-fi leanings and slow paced determination, it's hard not to become a bit bored by the meandering direction the material often takes. Dynamic energy is not a strong point for the band as they continually fall into a certain groove and simply ride it out. A bit too light hearted to really incite any emotional release, the songs also feel too wispy to really hold the listeners attention for an extended period of time. Sure it may be the perfect background music for a morning after a night out reminiscing with old friends; But when the daze has passed and reality has set back in its pretty much a given that most would instantly replace it with something a bit more animated.