Cursive’s sixth record, “Mama, I’m Swollen,” continues the surprising power the band showed on 2006’s “Happy Hollow,” a bit emo-otic and melodramatic (“I couldn’t love you anymore!” Tim Kasher howls at some point), but that’s nothing new for the Saddle Creek band. If you dig Cursive, “Mama, I’m Swollen” won’t disappoint, as on the surface and with relaxed listens, there’s really nothing wrong with it; if you’re in the camp that thinks Cursive’s getting a little bit old at this point, well, “Mama, I’m Swollen” can also be ignored. The band’s set at the Belmont Arts and Music Fest last summer was a keeper, sweetly bringing the warm-air crowd together in solidarity and reminding everyone just what Cursive is capable of. You can’t count out Kasher and crew just yet, and while one wishes on “Mama, I’m Swollen” the band would’ve kept up the intensity of opener “In the Now,” what follows pleases well enough. (Tom Lynch)
Cursive plays May 9 at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake, (312)929-2022, at 8pm.
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