Debut album from Columbia alumni royalty. Though nothing like The Stokes musically, the band did seem to appear out of nowhere and made a MAJOR impact on the indie world like a bat out of hell. Forming in New York's Columbia University, lead singer Ezra had a stint with Dirty Projectors and a huge African influence early on. Using these as a backbone, the band resembled a more traditional indie band with young lads looking dapper, but their sound was something else. The album was self produced in a number of locations throughout New York giving each track a different feel but it was clear they were onto something as soon as they started to make some noise in Columbia's party scene. The album did very well for a debut in both the states and the UK ranking high in the charts. The lead single 'A Punk' crossed over from the haircut scene into the mainstream with little effort and made everyone dance together, a rare instance in world peace. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• music label: XL Recordings 2007

reviewed by International Playboy 2007