The album is arguably the most eclectic, mature, and sonically adventurous in the band's discography, as it demonstrates a rawer and more organic nature than their previous collaborations with Mitchell Froom. Crowded House leader Neil Finn himself has been quoted as designating the album as his favorite in the group's canon. More distorted, effects-laden guitars than typically heard on previous outings helped the band achieve a heightened sense of ambience, and slightly left-of-center arrangements imbued a sense of brooding to the whole affair. Traditional Maoir rhythms of New Zealand were also incorporated in the innovative spirit of the recording sessions; in fact, the band even employed a M