Imagine a faster, louder, chunkier, and crazier Unrest (like this lesser-known band, from D.C.), with similar hints of early-’80s Wedding Present. Imagine that hyper style of pleasant, bleeding-heart, fast guitar pop, and you’ve got the main elements of tracks such as “Mostly I Sleep.” But this trio also adds bits of soundscape white noise without ever really joining the MBV worship OK bands like the Lilys, Swirlies, and Drop Nineteens fall into. The result is a heavy haze undercut by the slash marks made by singer Matt’s guitar (his voice also sounds somewhat like Patrick of Kitchens of Distinction) and overall pop moves. Fine waltz on “Caterwaul” too! Co-produced by Gray Matter leader Geoff Turner, it sounds like a high-quality demo (when will U.S. bands get recording budgets to match English bands working along similar lines?!?), but there’s no shortage of atmosphere, ideas, flailing aggression, and boyish sentiments/singing. – Jack Rabid