A lot has changed in the three years that The Sea and Cake have been gone, but sadly, most of the changes have been rather ill advised. During the band's hiatus we've seen rap-metal, Regis Philbin, the WWF, pants with 55” cuffs, Gorditas, Survivor and Bud Light come to represent all that is good and right with America. Needless to say, we’re in dire need of a change on all fronts. And while they aren’t necessarily the answer to all the nation’s problems, I'm glad that The Sea and Cake has returned to help heal the gaping wound that currently passes for a music scene.

Since their last release (the meticulously beautiful The Fawn), the members of The Sea and Cake have been pretty busy. Sam and Archer each released well-received solo works, and of course every time you turn around John McEntire is either producing or playing on another album. Oui announces the triumphant return of The Sea and Cake, renewing our acquaintance with their trademark blend of grace, style and precision. And thankfully, the band has not lost a step -- not musically, anyway. Proof of this comes quickly via Oui’s achingly gorgeous opener "Afternoon Speaker", which is awash with gentle dynamics, Prekop’s silky vocals and an effervescent backbeat. Elsewhere, the elegiac "Two Dolphins" rides a mellifluous groove towards a velvet-lined climax, while the delicate instrumental "You Beautiful Bastard" shimmers and dips like a firefly dancing in the warm summer night. Oui also features guest appearances from Jeb Bishop, Poi Dog Pondering/Creamy Deluxe violinist Susan Voelz and Verbow’s Allison Chesley. Their unique skills do wonders to enhance Oui's mood, while also smoothing the edges of the album's overall sound.

It's fairly safe to assume that Oui will not set the music world ablaze; hell, it most likely won’t even cause a spark. It does, however, signal the return of one of the most well liked, well-respected and most stylish bands around. And for that alone we should all be most thankful. Until you hear Oui, you might not realize just how much you missed the Sea and Cake.