CSS: Donkey (Sub Pop)

CSS: Donkey (Sub Pop) – Apparently São Paulo, Brazil, quartet CSS’s sophomore album is their attempt to cliff-dive into crossover commercialism.  Needless to say, dives of this nature are inherently dangerous.  It remains to be sees if the splash will be spectacular or fatal.  The synths, snappy rhythms and sterilized chorus driven vocals have more sheen than a body-oiled beauty.  Thankfully the sun drenched sand adds some saving grit.  Good. 

Oxford Collapse: Bits (Sub Pop)

Oxford Collapse: Bits (Sub Pop) - Recorded throughout 2007 in spaces all over NYC, Bits seems to be an homage to the last 30 years of college radio.  The trio weave the threads of those influences into a blast of tight punk tinged rock.  The instrumental interplay is echoed by multipart harmonies.  Good. 

Death Vessel: Nothing is Precious Enough for us (Sub Pop)

Death Vessel: Nothing is Precious Enough for us (Sub Pop) - Death Vessel is the off-kilter folk rock project of Joel Thibodeau (Pronounced “Joelle”).  With help from the Pete Donnelly (The Figgs) and a few others, Nothing is Precious Enough For Us is his sophomore LP and Sub Pop debut.  He sings with a powerful, high and clear voice, while a myriad of instruments and found sounds develop a sonic pallet that’s rich with homespun flair, and largely avoids becoming overblown.  Recommended.