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***1/2 Superchunk

HERE'S WHERE THE STRINGS COME IN

(Merge)

The strings don't ever really "come in" on what, by my count, is Superchunk's fifth studio album. (They've also released two full-length CD singles compilations and 18 seven-inchers since 1990). But the "strings" of the disc's title are more or less implied by the warm, resonant overtones that hum and buzz around the guitars of Mac McCaughan and Jim Wilbur on the melancholy "Silver Leaf and Snowy Tears," a bittersweet and, by Superchunk standards, gentle tune that's laced with gorgeous melodies.

Recorded at Fort Apache with Wally Gagel, Here's Where the Strings Come In ranks as the group's best and biggest-sounding release yet. But don't think that Chapel Hill's indie-punk heroes have gone soft - the disc opens with the adrenaline-powered blast of "Hyper Enough," a pressurized fusion of velocity and melody that rocks just like the old Superchunk. McCaughan still can't hit all the notes he'd like to, which doesn't stop him from trying, or from being downright disarming in the process. And the band are just too damn hyper to resist ending even "Silver Leaf and Snowy Tears" with a raucous, noisy climax of pounding drums and slashing guitars, which is nothing but reassuring.

***1/2 Superchunk

HERE'S WHERE THE STRINGS COME IN

(Merge)

- Matt Ashare