PATRICK PHELAN's third full-length recording is called "Cost." To Phelan, it is an understatement. For him, every opportunity explored is another opportunity forgone. More so than on previous Phelan records, "Cost" places an emphasis on the guttural. His voice and words take center stage. He is much less guarded on "Cost" than on previous records. There is no lack of desperation in these new songs, yet a hopeful tone is maintained throughout. Balance is the key. Emotion is the lock. And simplicity is the door. Like a finely-tuned architect, Phelan places all of his songs in their proper space, not letting them get crowded with unnecessary words or sounds. He also steers "Cost" from tipping too far in the "minimalist" direction, thanks in part to a bevy of guitar solos and to the abundance of true rock moments that occur throughout the record.