In 2010, there were a lot of bands doing roughly the same thing as . Namely, a lo-fi take on the indie pop sound with loads of reverb, guitar parts reminiscent of surf music, simple-to-rudimentary drums, and innocent, almost deadpan vocals. Many of the bands are on the same label, . Many of them are one-person outfits, as well. In this case the one person being . Of all the bands operating in this general area, is one of the best and their self-titled record works as one of the early landmarks of the sound. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why, though it helps that songs are instantly catchy and his voice betrays no smirkiness, just pure innocence. The focus and clarity of his playing and arrangement also give the record an originality that lets the record stand out from the hissing crowd. No one else (apart from and their naggingly omnipresent or maybe with ) has written a song as radio-ready as More impressively, that song is only one of many shining examples of on-the-cheap pop that hits like the blunt end of an axe. may be very 2010 but they aren't just along for the ride, they're driving the bandwagon. ~ Tim Sendra