Youthful Brit pop punk/power pop. Four people from the town of Pity Me in the UK (damn England has wonderful town names). This is their second album. Lots of power guitar, wailing British voices (all four of them sing), and really strong lyrics. Youthful stuff: summer days, romance angst, millennial political issues. Pay attention to the lyrics for the best listening experience. Lots of great introspection, commentary, metaphor, all the writing stuff you could want.

Try 3, 5, 7.

1) “Christine” (1:57): Quavering opening bursts open at 20 seconds. Beautiful shrieky lyrics (“have I always felt like this / like a dog death”).
2) “Chekhov's Hangnail” (2:57) (FCC: FUCK): More of a singley feel. Too bad we can’t play this because it’s rocking. They say “battle” like 20 times with the thickest British accent I have ever heard.
3) “Precarious (Supermarket Song)” (3:00): Quick pace. Going to the supermarket to ask out a chequer. “I’m going to finish what I started / I’m going to go to the supermarket.”
4) “Do Whatever” (2:45): Almost a beachier riff. Don’t be so uptight.
5) “Goldman’s Detective Agency” (3:33): Great guitar opening. Some interesting lyrics about police/politicians and their “wicked cults.”
6) “The Awkward Ones” (3:17): Lyrics are a bit more buried here.
7) “Ice Cream and Sunscreen” (2:08): Quiet beginning, somber. Beautiful lyrics. Springs forward at the one-minute mark.
8) “11:45, Legless in Brandon” (3:08): Female singer this time. “You’re good for my mind but not my productivity.”
9) “Curly & Raquel” (4:08): Title is a reference to a British soap opera I think. Youthful love story.
10) “Do Nothing” (6:58) (FCC: SHITE): Almost sounds like rock instead of pop. Heartbroken break-up song. Two sections: one dour, one upbeat, with a long instrumental transition. Too bad we can’t play this.
11) “St. Paul’s (Westerberg Comprehensive)” (2:35): Long intro about clothes not fitting. Restrained commentary on queer issues. Dissonant ambient finish. Little joy here.

--Mr Tumnus