Second album from Portland-by-way-of-New-Mexico Dirtnapfavorites! Low Culture features members of Shang-A-Langand Marked Men, splitting the sonic difference between thetwo-scrappy, melodic, and sometimes jangly garage-punk thatis fast, catchy, and high-energy-as-hell, but also thoughtful.Since releasing their debut LP Screens, which quickly sold outits initial pressing and was well-received, a lot has been goingon in Low Cultures world. Most of the band has relocated fromLas Cruces, NM to Portland, OR, with the last member soon tofollow. Theyve released 7-inches on Dirtnap, Dead Broke, andLa-Ti-Da Records. They found a new bass player in Chicagotransplant Jay Castaldi (MOTO, Lynyrds Innards, more).The band helped form killer local hardcore band Macho Boys.Singer/guitarist Chris Mason has released tons of essential recordson his great Dirt Cult Records label. Theyve done sometouring, including high-profile shows like the Dirtnap RecordsAnniversary, Awesome Fest, Ottawa Explosion, and others.On Places To Hide, Low Culture nails the delicate balancebetween the bands existing strengths and branching out intonew territory. Personal, somewhat depressive lyrics still setthe mood, although many of the songs also tackle social/politicalissues more directly than in the past. The production, by StanWright at Portlands Buzz Or Howl Studios (Red Dons, CriminalCode, Pierced Arrows, tons more) accentuates the bands more"punk" (as opposed to garage) side. All in all, this second albumis a perfect follow up to a nearly perfect debut.