Every story needs to tie up loose ends. I mean, what reader (or listener) wouldn't want that? A writer should end a series by exploring all those unfinished aspects that need to be considered in order for the story to actually feel "complete."

No World for Tomorrow has several loose ends to tie up. This only makes sense since it's the final record in terms of The Amory Wars saga. There are several things that the characters -- in particular, Claudio Kilgannon -- need to address before commencing with the final assault on House Atlantic. What better loose end to tie up first than to find peace with a former friend? In this case, Claudio meets up with his old girlfriend, Newo Ikkin.

To recap the last three records, Claudio essentially "broke up" with Newo when he fled his homeworld back at the end of Second Stage Turbine Blade. As far as I know, he didn't meet up with her at all during IKSSE (the comics have yet to show this, anyway). We learn in FFTEM that Newo has been unfaithful to Claudio (a parallel to the Writer's ex-girlfriend, and likely the unfaithfulness is due to Claudio having been absent in her life). Now, however, is the moment for the two to confront each other and own up to their problems. Claudio even admits that "there's blame for two" -- no doubt citing his relationship with the late Ambellina.

"Feathers" -- the fourth track from NWFT. This song is probably the catchiest song Coheed has ever created. Where "The Hound (Of Blood and Rank)" reminded me of the groove of "Blood Red Summer" from IKSSE, "Feathers" reminds me of the poppy sound, so to speak, of that same song. "Feathers" is an upbeat and quick-paced jumpy song from the beginning to the end. The chorus is as unforgettable as it is to sing along to.

I know plenty of people who despise this song, citing it as nothing more than generic "radio pop trash." I couldn't disagree more. True, the structure of the song is different. Actually, many songs off this album are different, and are a bit more conventional, but I always thought that was a bullshit reason to call a song "radio pop trash." This song is hardly generic, largely because all the essential Coheed elements are there: sweeping rhythms, leads, strong percussion, melody, and narrative. They're all there. Is "Feathers" a perfect song? Not really. I still don't like the album as much as the rest, and some moments are mediocre, but "Feathers" comes out as a really shining moment.

I'm wrapping up this review with the music video for "Feathers." In this video, the song is slightly shorter, but the main point of the video is noting that the guys really are incredibly weird and perhaps even disturbed. But then, this weirdness is part of what makes them as awesome as they are. Well... just watch the video to see what I mean... Enjoy!