by Stephen SPAZ SchneeIt seemed appropriate that Holland's Nits' first U.S. release was also their most commercially viable product in years. Each of their previous albums (only released in Europe) contained moments of brilliance offset by moments of brilliant weirdness. Being a group of creative artistes, odd detours like that are to be expected and tolerated. This time out, the band is more confident, melodic and mesmerizing than ever. They've reverted back to the acoustic-based sound of In the Dutch Mountains and Hat with a richer sound; the songs are filled with mood, melody, and emotion, and the production is full and spacious. The songs wash over the listener, leaving them in a dream like state. "Dreams," "What We Did on Our Holidays," "Whales of Tadoussac," and "Day and the Night" are some of the best songs in the band's long and evolving career. Leader Henk Hofstede's voice and phrasing sound very similar to John Lennon with a slight Dutch accent. Robert Jan Stips' creative keyboard work fills in each song with sonic wonder and emotional ambience, blending effortlessly with the layers of acoustic guitars. And remember what I said earlier about brilliant weirdness? Well, just wait a few moments after "Abandoned Mine" ends, and you'll get a hidden track that is catchy as sin, yet distinctly odd. Certainly the most consistent release in their 25-year career, "Da Da Da" is a feast for the heart and soul and kind of like ice cream for the ears.