THE CAPSTAN SHAFTS are a one-man-band from Lyndonville, Vermont, masterminded by DEAN WELLS. This is the second Rainbow Quartz release following the excellently-received "Environ Maiden". "Fixation Protocols" is an album that has grown from its lo-fi roots to a more maturely-crafted sound. His inclination towards brevity persists, with nearly all the 22 lo-fi songs getting to the point in under two minutes. The appealing homemade indie fuzz-rock is still replete with catchy melodies, perfect playful pop hooks, and classic rock guitar riffs. This album conjures early R.E.M. through a lysergic prism, GUIDED BY VOICES and WIRE. Some have mentioned hints of LOU BARLOW, THE MOUNTAIN GOATS and NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL.