Shootout begins with the spirited riff of "Can't Sleep At All," one of Mother Hips' best songs. By the time the last (hidden) track pounds to a close, a lot of fine music has gone by, but in the end, something doesn't quite latch. It's not that Mother Hips aren't good musicians, but vague songwriting and boggy production neutralize much of their energy. Tim Bluhm's voice is smothered, warping his otherwise playful lyrics into detached, formulaic murmurs. If his personality ever fully emerges, chances are Mother Hips will turn out some darn good records.