90s Britpop by way of Detroit, Handgrenades tosses off a passel of overstuffed harmonies and production excesses. When done properly, of course, this sort of thing approaches brilliance. Such is the case with Handgrenades.

Handgrenades Tunnels (self-released)

In the right hands, these sort of ringing pop songs sound inevitable. Entirely predictable in the way they build toward their bashy climaxes, it is nonetheless remarkable that most band who attempt this sound fail. I mean, the formula is obvious, and once one starts down the path, there's just one way to go, right?

Not really. It's just the good stuff that sounds inevitable. The rest is hackneyed. This is Handgrenades second album, and from what I can tell, it is a real step forward. The arrangements are tighter, the production is more . . . more, I guess. Even on the more introverted songs, the intensity never wanes.

I suppose the most obvious reference point here is Supergrass, though I hear a lot of Blur as well. And there's plenty of good old American "alternative" as well. Handgrenades have made their statement. Let's see who hears it.

Jon Worley