A new Shellac album was one of the last things we expected from 2007, but given how packed the year has been thus far, it's not surprising the seven-year wait ends here. Although far better known and prolific as engineer/producers, Steve Albini and Bob Weston prove they haven't forgotten how to kick the dissonant, math jams like it's 1994 all over again. Stop-start metallic guitar, drums that are both precise and wandering, and speak-scream vocals remain the keys to Shellac's sound. A welcome confirmation of their status as a singular, influential sound in indie rock.