Salt Lake City's Steady Machete throws a curve ball on the opening track of their debut full-length. "Control is Beneath Us" wants to push the band into dance rock territory, when their real home is the spacey, slightly dark and moody, rock arena.

The second track, "Bonnie Parker," is more representative of the record as whole, with its fuzzed-out bass riff and vocals floating around in the ether. The album's title track and centerpiece, "Riots," also proves the band isn't afraid to give a song room to breathe. The dual guitar work and slithering solos allow the track to wander and build through its six minutes.

Throughout the disc, Steady Machete shows its keen sense of atmosphere and dynamics. Though the various electronic flourishes ("Fisticuffs") and dance beats keep things interesting, the band is best served by its brooding rock tendencies.