When Cave In first abandoned their caustic metal stylings with 2000's "Jupiter", the bands fan base instantly divided between those who accepted their new found appreciation of space rock experimentalism and those who hated it. This wedge was only driven further by the band then turning their back on their heavier roots and pulling the said material from their live sets. Three years later, the initial shock has long subsided and Cave In has fully returned, picking up where their 2002 EP "Tides Of Tomorrow" left off and diving headfirst into the role of an accomplished rock band.

Vocally "Antenna" is an entirely impressive piece of work, showcasing the many vocal lessons band frontman Stephen Brodsky underwent to realize his true potential. Flush with glorious high notes and booming lows, its almost uncanny to think that this is the same man who once screamed his heart out on the 1998 classic "Until Your Heart Stops". Backed by shimmering production and perhaps the most full-bodied sonic assault the band have conjured up to date, his strong harmonizing and scaled melodies are intoxicating and reel the listener in long before the hooks ever get a chance to rear their head. Guitar wise the album is equally as enthralling as shimmering strums and plucks meet face to face with a thick determined low end, sounding like the Failure back catalogue being jettisoned into space and summarily re-entering the atmosphere.

Many doubted the bands ability to persevere in this genre of music after having heard their humble beginnings, but as "Antenna" clearly shows, these MA natives are limited only by their own imagination. The talent and musicianship on this release illustrate the band as a vital and driving force in today's world of rock n' roll, with radio friendly songs that are inspiring, honest, and thankfully, sound nothing like Nickelback, Creed and their hundreds of imitators. Whether or not it will attain them commercial success is questionable, especially with their new found labels track record in these turbulent times, but sales figures aside "Antenna" is unequivocally one of the first must have records of 2003 and an album that will stand the ever important test of time.