Pivitplex debuted in 2003 with their BEC Recordings release Under Museum Quality Glass. It was a simple effort, nothing showy or fancy, and it gained them a bit of a fan base, but ultimately was somewhat forgettable. However, after a few band member changes, and now signed to Hawley, they ready the much-delayed (Originally slated for February) release of their sophomore effort, The King in a Rookery.

Pivitplex's sound was pop/rock, with tinges of indie rock, but usually a little too conventional to be considered the latter. It made for catchy tunes, but not for lasting quality. This time around, that tinge of indie rock from their debut takes front and center, and Pivitplex sounds like a completely rejuvenated band. Comparisons to the likes of The Elms come to mind, and one might even be tempted to call it a softer version of rock ‘n roll. It's still very much the Pivitplex of Under Museum Quality Glass… catchy and fun, but this time, much edgier. A lot of it can be attributed to newcomer James Calk's classy drumming that stays on pace, but gives the whole record an energy and vibe resembling that of an old school rock ‘n roll disc.

Scott Brownson's vocals are also on display with bold innocence that magnifies the sometimes simplistic, mostly ingenious lyrics of the record. Themes of praise, admiration, and dying to one's self are all on display loud and clear, and there is no room for sugar coating on The King in a Rookery. Brownson's voice has a way about it that causes you to instantly connect with whatever he happens to be singing about. It's calming and peaceful, yet emboldening.

I remember hearing Under Museum Quality Glass and thinking it was a good, well put together album… and then eventually losing interest. It wasn't that I stopped enjoying it, but eventually I just moved on. It was coming from a very obviously talented band, but it just didn't have staying power for me. The King in a Rookery is a different story. All the things I enjoyed about their debut are here, and the things that needed some work have been worked on and adjusted, and it ends up sounding really, really good. You may need to give this record a little bit of time to grow on you, but it's well worth the effort. A toe-tapper when it speeds up, and a piece of art when it slows down, Pivitplex's sophomore effort is not one to miss.

- Review date: 9/3/06, written by Josh Taylor