You might know Hilarie Sidney from Apples in Stereo and The Elephant 6 Collective. A long time ago, she met Per Ole Bratset at an AiS show in Oslo. They recorded songs through the mail (a quaint activity that the kids today just don't understand) and released the first High Water Marks album in 2004.

The High Water Marks Ecstasy Rhymes (Minty Fresh)

A couple more albums, a marriage and a couple short releases have dribbled out over the years. This is the band's first release since 2013's Annual Rings EP, but there appears to be little rust. Perhaps that comes from all of the other projects occupying Sidney and Bratset. In any case, this shiny blisterpop would sound right at home in 1990, 2005 or today.

Unlike other eclectic pop bands, the High Water Marks put almost no effort into crafting hooks. Rather, the noodly guitars, sprightly keyboards and and insistent rhythm section propel these songs into supersonic territory.

At once languid and propulsive, the High Water Marks ride that paradox into bliss. Does it make sense? I don't care. I'm all too willing to suspend my disbelief when songs pierce like this. Totally lovely, and uncommonly affecting as well. Happiness has many colors, and almost all of them are on this album.

Jon Worley