On the oddly titled Neurotic Showering Habits, Oakland, CA’s Good for You again shows that the band has the swagger and poise to impress with a slew of unique and charming songs. Led by the versatile Peter Nochisaki, “5 Bucks” starts off the disc with subtle, Television-esque musings and slyness, energized by a feisty organ. Engaging and experimental, it’s the second track, “Wonder,” that draws listeners in with wondrously unique instrumental experimentation and more cohesive vocals than on 2001′s Falling Out. Many of the songs are still unpredictable examples of spirited and cathartic musical exorcisms, like the aggressive and choppy “Wait for Me Somewhere,” the pulsating glory and toy piano of “Stunt Choir,” and the uncompromising controlled chaos of “Acid-Reflux Dream.” “If You Were Mine” features straightforward harmonic indie rock, proving the band to be a multi-trick pony. What’s most impressive is the band’s disregard for having a consistent sound throughout any part of the album, instead favoring an unnerving blitz through a variety of sounds and approaches. The album ends with “The Shotgun, a Steak Knife and a Mouse,” a creative spoken word/atmospheric jaw-dropper. Drummer Jake Harigan provides the rhythmic backbone, while no less than three bassists (Craig Dickson, Jessica Cowley, and Stoo Odom) appear on the 15-track disc. Recorded and released in 2003, Neurotic Showering Habits is full of surprises, with more hits than misses. – Stephen Cramer
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