Math and Physics Club

Listening to 's self-titled debut album is an unrelentingly pleasant experience. Drawing on influences like -style , current Scot- bands like , and label bands ( , , etc.), the group lightly and politely strums and jangles through ten witty and gentle songs of love lost and found. Warmth is the key word to describe the record, whether it's singer 's dulcet tones, the subtle layers of strings (strummed acoustic and melodic electric guitars, melancholy violin) found on each track, the liberal application of reverb on the drums, or the tender emotions detailed in the lyrics. An autumnal mood of introspection pervades the album, but there's plenty of sonic variety to be found with a nice mix of , mid-tempo tunes, and a few that would get even the shyest indie kid out on the dancefloor ( ). Sure, it's as derivative as can be -- sounding at various times like (the songs sings), , or even a baby -- but there is enough emotion, melodic songcraft, and style to carry you past the obvious similarities and let you enjoy the record for what it is: a solidly crafted, sweet-as-sugar record. ~ Tim Sendra