By Bill Cleary

Daily Staff Writer

Artist: The Poison Control Center

Album: “A Collage of Impressions”

Label: Afternoon Records

Release: Limited release Sept. 22, nationwide release Sept. 26

Availability: CD in stores and at www.afternoonrecords.com

On “A Collage of Impressions,” The Poison Control Center reaches full maturity. After seven years and a long string of EPs, singles and compilations, this is the band’s first full-length album, and it represents an evolution from its previous work.

The PCC was perhaps best known for its wacky, rhythmically complex style and ample humor in their songs. The band’s music began to evolve with their best-known song, “Pierre Pierce,” and later, “Wake Up Waco,” both of which dealt with legitimate social issues with a wry, black sense of humor.

This evolution brings us to the new album, which is pretty serious in dealing with the dark subjects it explores. While not a concept album per se, the title is apt — the record is a series of introspective musical vignettes. Songs such as “Driving,” “Don’t Go” and “Shot in the Face” deal with pain, death and loss. On the lighter side, “Ride the Thunder” is a long existentialist ramble in two parts.

The band’s sound has become more complex here, as well. Backing vocals and strings from the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra complement the main players.

This is a complex album – you won’t get everything on the first listen, but everyone should find something to like. And, considering the national distribution and the high quality of the album art (including lyrics), this is a big deal for Ames music.

The album will be offered on a limited basis at The Poison Control Center’s CD release show Saturday at 9 p.m. at the M-Shop.

By David Neff

Daily Staff Writer

Artist: Hot Hot Heat

Album: “Happiness Ltd.”

Label: Sire Records

Release: Sept. 11

Availability: CD, iTunes, Ruckus

The raucous, synth-pop sound of Hot Hot Heat has been evolving since their 2002 release of “Make Up the Breakdown,” and their newest album is no exception. “Happiness Ltd.” is a more mature, albeit calmer album, which may turn off fans of the edgy sound heard on their older works.

With “Happiness Ltd.,” Hot Hot Heat begins to make lyrics and wordplay an important factor in their music, which accompanies their more pensive attitude. In the song “Waiting for Nothing,” the closest thing to a ballad on the album, singer Steve Bays acknowledges his life may not be worth much if he can’t share it with someone.

Other numbers like “So So Cold” and “Good Day to Die” show that Hot Hot Heat haven’t lost all their bite while creating a more sophisticated sound.