As the lone silent partner in the Beat Happening troika, Bret Lunsford’s contributions to the group often seemed to get lost in the shuffle — with D+ he’s finally taking his turn in the spotlight, and the results are impressive. The group’s self-titled debut is as willfully minimalist as any Beat Happening record, with an even looser sense of melody and rhythm; Lunsford’s droll vocals are charming, as is the self-deprecating wit which drives many of his songs. There’s a world-weary assurance behind the album that serves in stark contrast to the wide-eyed innocence of its surface, and the tension between the two makes D+ a compelling listen. – Jason Ankeny
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