Personnel: Tim Kasher, Ted Stevens (vocals, guitars); Nate Lepine (piano, organ); Matt Maginn (bass instrument); Cornbread Compton (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixer: A.J. Mogis.
Arrangers: Cursive; Nate Lepine.
On 2009's MAMA, I'M SWOLLEN, Cursive's first studio album in nearly three years, the revered Omaha-based indie-rock act follows up the acclaimed HAPPY HOLLOW with another arresting outing. Happily, SWOLLEN expands on the full sound of HOLLOW, setting up a wide sonic expanse that's fitting for a band from the open plains of Nebraska. As always, Cursive is a showcase for frontman Tim Kasher's emotive singing and fierce guitar playing, as best evinced on the dynamic "From the Hips," which builds to a feverish crescendo. Sure to delight Cursive's most devoted, MAMA, I'M SWOLLEN, with its bold cinematic aesthetic, may also win over fans of bands such as the Arcade Fire and My Chemical Romance.

Rolling Stone (p.77) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[A] dizzying range of amped-up hardcore, horn-powered country rock and angular balladry. Cursive haven't sounded this crazed and inspired since their breakthrough album, 2003's THE UGLY ORGAN."
Blender (Magazine) (p.59) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Kasher is back to the microscope and black light, using willful musical twists to tear apart his own thirtysomething hypocrisy....It's awfully hard to turn away."