Debut For New York Triple - Au Revoir Simone.

Three-girl local group who use electric piano, vintage keyboard drum machine sounds and harmonized vocals. If you haven't already guessed, there is a definite Stereolab influence with a teeny nod to Magnetic Fields, BUT it's taken in a different direction with its own uniquely charming qualities: Disarmingly simple, clever, and idea-filled lyrics and arrangements. Sweet and innocent while being intellectually mature. References to "(being together) beneath the cherry trees" and "spending the night with you" come across as memories derived from actual events rather than things the band ''wishes would happen but probably never will, boo hoo''. Every reference or well-placed, borrowed melody becomes their own with a great lyrical hook or added melody. (There's a melody in "Where You Go" that I know and love, but still can't place--a sign of a good pop record.) In "Hurricanes" (think Stereolab meets Beat Happening without the dropout quotient), the chant of, "This message is for all the pe-ople, the pe-ople who are al-ways wai-ting!!" presupposes that you are yearning very earnestly for something and will make you damn glad about it. Neo-classic indie stuff that harnesses that Spring Love/Feel Good All Over/Glad to be Alive! vibe ("Through the Backyards", "Hurricanes" etc.), as well as a languid, moody nighttime atmosphere ("And Sleep Al Mar", "Stay Golden", "Winter Song", "Back in Time"). I'm charmed. It'll win you over for sure. (This Review Was Published By Other Music)

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