It's been nearly four years since The Ben Gunn Society has blessed us with an album. Now it's here, and I am thrilled. I was warned that this album would be a bit different. But everything Ben Gunn Society does is a 'bit different'. And therein lies the charm. The opening instrumental will hook you immediately with its surf rock undertones. Then Igor's honest vocals bring you in further. A few songs later, Zarina (good to see her singing a little more lead stuff on this album) completes the vocal sound. The music sound is really filled out this time around. By the time you get to the track "Dagger" you've gotten a taste of some real rock and roll. It's crisply produced -- you feel like you're in the garage with them. And then "Leonard's Lament" catapults you in whole new direction! This power punk single hurls the album in a completely different path. It reminds me of XTC's classic album "White Music". Ben Gunn's second album is a tad more serious than the first, but still has the quirky charm of their self-titled debut. Their sound has evolved and grown and defies any genre. Listen to the tight musicianship, and you'll be reminded of groundbreaking giant albums like Television's "Marquee Moon". It took me more than one listen to really hear all the ways this album shines. Everytime I listen, I hear some new surprise. The vast variety of styles makes this almost sound like a soundtrack album from various artists, but the production and distinct vocals tie it together. Ever unique and new, yet sometimes hauntingly familiar, "Sovereignty" is gem. Please don't make wait another four years for more!