Some bands just don't shine in the studio the way they do on stage. The Archers' first album, Icky Mettle , came across as a droning bore (with the exception of a few songs), but after you heard the same material performed live, it was easier to appreciate its tension and intricacy. Vs The Greatest of All Time is definitely a step forward: all five songs demonstrate a greater depth and use of dynamics. The set still requires repeated listenings to grab all the strange intertwining guitars (the sound is similar to the Treepeople's two-guitar attack) and the relevance of some of the odd intros, but the band certainly continues to explore a noise-pop sound that's uniquely its own. This is a worthy purchase for those interested in discovering the joys of North Carolina pop punk; fans of the Archers' previous work will be equally delighted by the improvement in their sound and performance. --Adem Tepedelen