. mewithoutYou Catch for Us the Foxes Tooth & Nail t often seems the best way to do justice to an astounding work of art is to admit that it can't be done justice and to go on talking about it with ordinary words. The task of describing the indescribable, of giving shape to the transcendent, of committing to paper such bright, brilliant, ephemeral flashes is inherently impossible. Only one utterance can accurately describe all of the sentiments felt by an observer too stunned to speak after a breathtaking display: "wow."       The truth is that mewithoutYou's latest album is one of the most inspiring releases of the past few years. It's less a collection of songs than a movement of the soul, less an album than a spiritual experience (quite literally). Uncompromisingly honest, powerfully dynamic and altogether otherworldly, it strikes the heart like a bolt of lightning and leaves the listener frozen, mouth agape and wanting for words.       The world was first introduced to mewithoutYou by 2002's A -> B Life, a revelation in itself that, in hindsight, was merely a harbinger of things to come. While unfairly robbed of critical attention, it quickly found the band a large and enthusiastic audience, one that eagerly awaited the far-off release of a follow-up.       A -> B Life contained turns of phrase so singularly powerful and quotable that they adorned knowledgeable hipsters' online journals for the entire two years between releases. But more importantly, the lyrics established Aaron Weiss as a formidable talent, one who could seemingly effortlessly express the deepest thoughts and purest human emotions with the most beautifully written lines. To complement Weiss' lyrics and unique vocal approach, which sounded more like the delivery of a fiery and emotional performance poet, brother Michael and Christopher Kleinberg added guitars that were alternately spacey and crushing, Richard Mazzotta furiously pounded the drums and bassist Daniel Pishock gave a smooth, fluid performance. With a highly expressive stage show to match, the band further established its fan base through tours and the subsequent word of mouth.       Finally, after a long period of anticipation, we have Catch for Us the Foxes. Though the band teased audiences with live previews for the better part of 2004, it's safe to say that the album as a whole is far more ambitious and affecting than anyone could ever have imagined.       "Torches Together" opens with harmonizing feedback over pseudo-tribal drums and matching bass guitar. As tension slowly mounts, Aaron Weiss timidly makes his opening statements: "Why burn poor and lonely under a bowl or under a lampshade?" The song keeps at a steady pace but continues to build until it explodes into distorted guitar and Weiss' frantic and earnest scream, "We'll be like torches together!" While certainly similar to the band's previous work, this song shows a much more focused mewithoutYou with a few newly strengthened characteristics and an overall new dynamic. Much of the album is characterized by steady, pounding rhythms, dense atmosphere and high tension that often produces jolting emotional blasts.       "January 1979" is a surprisingly melodic song, and it includes the first of the album's sung choruses. Upbeat and indefatigable, the music charges ahead as Weiss weaves an intricate tale that features, among other things, crashes, sinking ships and a grasshopper king.       But "Tie Me Up! Untie Me!" is the clearest early exposition of the band's apparent major influences: early to late '80s post-punk and wiry post-hardcore, which is, at various points, infused with Smashing Pumpkins-esque qualities (as in the chorus of "Paper Hanger"), among many other things.       From beginning to end, Catch for Us the Foxes places the listener in the midst of a cool, dark fog with musical arrangements that continually excite the ear and chill the nerves.       You'll be paralyzed. You'll be speechless. But don't bother fumbling for words to describe the experience; Catch for Us the Foxes speaks for itself. -Chris Skillern