Audio Mixers: Jason Gossman; Tony Hoffer.

Audio Remasterer: Stephen Marcussen.

Recording information: ocean way; Paramount; Sunset sound Factory.

Photographer: Steve Gullick.

Arranger: Will Canzoneri.

With their striking debut, CARNAVAS, L.A.'s Silversun Pickups were flooded with Smashing Pumpkins comparisons. Far from unfounded, this analogy is only furthered by the alt-rock band's sophomore studio album, SWOON, with its driving beats, searing guitar lines, and fey vocals, most notably on the surging opener, "There's No Secrets This Year." Though slightly less obvious, another fitting reference is England's Placebo, an amped-up group of kindred spirits clearly evoked by the fierce "Panic Switch." While the Pickups are perpetually in danger of being eclipsed by these influences, the sheer force of their sonic attack (see "The Royal We") makes SWOON strangely impressive and undeniably engaging.