Cursive's breakout moment might have been Domestica, but the Omaha, Nebraska band had released 2 LPs prior to the 2000 critical success. The Storms Of Early Summer - Semantics Of Song, originally released in 1998, is the band's sophomore effort, and it is Tim Kasher and co.'s first attempt at a concept album. Consisting of two themes — "Man vs. Nature" and "Man vs. Self" — The Storms Of Early Summer… is driven by intense guitar work and strained, emotionally charged lyrics, and although it is not as developed or innovative as Domestica, the record boasts of aggressive grooves and strong melodies. Check out "The Rhyme Scheme," "The Road to Financial Stability," "Tempest," and "Break in the New Year."

• clear w/ white swirl vinyl
• 20th anniversary edition
• music label: 15 Passenger Records 1998 / 2017

reviewed by rei kwondo 1/2018