This Brooklyn-based four-boy/one-girl group’s promo sticker implies you’ll dig their debut LP if you like Death Cab for Cutie, Pinback, and Rogue Wave. Too good to be true, right? Wrong! Anthem In manage similar textural delights and song-based grooves without cloning, nor are they hideously outranked by comparison. Perhaps outside of the danceable standout “Down” they don’t rise to the dramatic flourishes or passion flashes of their PR’s suggestions, but impressively, they affect the darkened tones and elusive arrangements that distinguish such favorites from those with mere expensive guitar effects rack mounts. Allen Orr’s songs and singing are impressive, his guitars are decidedly creative without overdoing it, and keyboardist Ashley Proffitt has a restrained approach. The more you listen, the more you get sucked in to a real sleeper LP. – Jack Rabid
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