For such a young band -- this is just their second long player -- Seattle's Moondoggies sound torn, frayed, tired and ripped. To bust an all too appropriate Neil Young analogy, comparing Tidelands to its predecessor Don't Be a Stranger is a lot like comparing Time Fades Away to Harvest. Where the latter balances the artist's darkness and anxiety with comfy rustic hooks, the former ditches the country comforts all together. Indeed, Tidelands is a downer, a muddy, second-gear trudge full of voices wailing about sad, desperate times. Give it some time, though. It's important work for sure.