by Heather PharesA strangely subdued work, Couch's fourth album, Profane, picks up more or less where Fantasy, the band's prior album, left off -- that is, it delivers more of the group's sleek, Krautrock-inspired instrumentals -- but plays like a less melodic, less inspired version of that album. Profane begins promisingly with Plan, which sports some interestingly distorted textures à la Tortoise's Standards, and the chiming, stately Alle Auf Passe, which defines Couch's newfound polish. Midway through, however, Profane begins to sound a little too refined. The motor of 12 Sind Nur is so well-oiled that it becomes smooth, understated background music; Doch Endlich creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere, but the group doesn't really develop it into anything more. Indeed, most of Profane is distressingly free of memorable melodies or hooks, which are arguably even more necessary for instrumental groups than bands with vocalists. Along with the album's first two songs, the taut, implosive Was Alles Halt and the reflective album closer Farbe are also worthwhile, which would make the album a solid four-song EP. Unfortunately, though, the bulk of Profane is just obscenely bland, especially considering the promise Fantasy held.