There's something dark, weird, and wild-eyed about I Hear You, the new album—and Sub Pop debut—from the Georgia band Arbor Labor Union. These four dudes (formerly known as Pinecones) make droning guitar-rock that tends to dig itself into a gritty groove and then just chug along, powered by amplified brawn and the dull thwack of indelicate drums. Above it all, a guy strains and yelps his way through surreal incantations that often sound like they're in tune with some other song. It all works... most of the time. At its best, I Hear You recalls the Velvets' one-note cool, Television's jangle-jams, and Meat Puppets' freakiness. At its worst, Arbor Labor Union simply goes on too long. Rein it in, fellas. You're on to something. BEN SALMON