Like a force of nature, Poor Old Lu has often blustered onto the scene with each successive album, generally leaving the forecasters at a loss for words. A Picture of the Eighth Wonder is no exception. Opening with a seven-minute track, the thick and moody "Rail," it's obvious the members of Poor Old Lu like to push their luck. While it is a fine song, a prayer for lucidity amidst chaos, it's not how you open an album if you want to be pop stars. Other tracks pick up the tempo considerably, showcasing the band's ability to wed bright pop bounce with sudden, violent explosions of doubt and anger. It's like classic rock with sudden, sharp twists. A Picture of the Eight Wonder fits stylistically in between the modern pop hooks of Mindsize, and the vibe and atmospheric tricks of Sin. It's an excellent snapshot of a band that has matured, is worthy of great respect, yet is still unpredictable as all get out. Like a force of nature.