For all the post-punk influences, though, the arrangements and the meandering, seemingly improvised structures also have a slight jam-band feel. "Cowbell" begins by laying down a rhythm that splits the difference between punk and polka before moving into a series of shredded melodies. "Manitoba" is a lullaby of clear-as-bells guitars and lilting vocals that gradually morphs into something stronger and stranger. THE LOON is consistent only in its unpredictability, in having a happy surprise around every corner.