Is this an album? A set of seven songs that clock in just past a quarter hour feels very much like an EP. These loopy, goofy songs are so addictive they made the time pass even faster.

Joy Again Piano (self-released)

In the grand tradition of warped pop rockers like Rob Crow and the Wrens, Joy Again wraps its tight, short pop songs within layers of prog excess, distortion and truly dweeby vocals. Sounds like a disaster? Totally not.

Rather, this is like a chunky smoothie. At first, you're not sure what you're swallowing. Then you realize it makes you feel awesome, and you don't care what is coursing down your throat.

Strangeness for strangeness's sake is not very interesting. Strangeness in service of wonder is mindbending. Joy Again has wandered into the latter territory. I sure hope it has another quarter-hour of brilliance in reserve, and I hope it comes my way soon.

Jon Worley