In the two years or so since their debut's initial self-release, have grown from a one-man home-recording project to a full-fledged rock band. But don't expect a radically revamped sound with album number two: might be slightly more assured and fuller-sounding than the amiably scrappy (credit in part the contributions of Northwest indie rock super-producer ), but have hardly lost their meandering mid-fi charms. Their sunny, lushly layered off-kilter pop songs still boast plenty of tinny drum machines, synth organs, jangly acoustic strumming, occasional bits of trumpet and glockenspiel, and of course 's blithely casual singing and obliquely evocative lyrics. So it's essentially more of very welcome same. That said, the pop thrills aren't nearly as immediate this time out -- there's nothing here to rival the instantly grabby hooks of first album standouts like and (especially) The closest thing might be a somewhat uncharacteristic rocker that recalls prime (with shades of 's ), though the bouncy and mellower scratch that indie pop itch reasonably well, too. Elsewhere, the brief (is that an reference?) is nearly hummable and inscrutable enough to pass for a cut, albeit far too well recorded, while 's dense rhythms and falsetto harmonies are undeniably . In general, the brightest spots here come through fleeting individual moments -- like the sudden influx of barreling gospel-style backups toward the end of the gradually cresting opener, -- and more subdued numbers like the shambling, gently glowing closer, 's subtler pleasures may require more time to sink in than the impulsive skinny-dip plunge of its predecessor, but fans of classic-styled melodic indie rock will find it every bit as summery and inviting as the backyard swimming pool on the cover, and well worth the wade. ~ K. Ross Hoffman