Not on par with old Pumpkins

“Songs for a Sailor,” the first of an 11-volume EP set by the Smashing Pumpkins, left me swinging between love and dislike.

The first track, “Astral Planes,”had me questioning who this band is, but in a good way. Energetic jam bursts combine with howling electric riffs to create a wonderful vortex of sound. The only downside to the track is that Billy Corgan’s usually tongue-in-cheek lyrics remain unheard, leaving the vocals fluffy and uninspired.

Two middle tracks, “A Stitch in Time” and “Widow Wake My Mind,” offer little more than blends of indie rock and electronica. This works well for the experimental nature of this volume but deters from the richer, somewhat gloomier Smashing Pumpkins records of previous decades.

However, a standout track comes at the end of the volume. “Song for a Son” begins with a beautifully melodic piano sequence, later coming together with overdubbed acoustic and electric guitars. Corgan’s vocals shine here, as sardonic and introspective as ever.

The volume is a great show of experimentation but unfortunately lacks consistency and lyrical strength.