Schadenfreude

I'd forgotten how tight this band is until the needle dropped on side A; the reunion energy really comes through in the grooves. The sleeve art is exactly what you'd expect from a band that's been around since the 90s—simple but fits the mood perfectly.

The pressing quality is crisp and the 2018 recording captures their reunion conversations perfectly—the phone call intros feel so authentic. This re-release from 2012 is the version I’d been hoping for, and the vinyl itself has a nice weight to it.

The gatefold jacket is sturdier than most indie pressings, and the 2012 reunion tracks on side B add a nice nostalgic layer to the collection. Sound quality’s crisp with minimal surface noise out of the sleeve. A solid pick if you’re into their later work.