No one records an album a year these days. But Hilarie Sidney and Per Ole Bratset have been doing just that for each of the last three years. Not just recording and releasing something, but consistently creating some of the best power pop of the decade. Clocking at sixteen songs and a fragment, this album is full to bursting.

The High Water Marks Your Next Wolf (Minty Fresh)

Sidney and Bratset share songwriting credits, but not unlike other partnerships, it's not too hard to hear which took the lead on a particular track. Sidney's voice is one of the most unique around, able to hit crazy high notes or sustain a lower, stronger line as necessary. She sings the songs that center on vocals. Bratset sings the songs where the music tends to lead. The back-and-forth serves to give this (and other High Water Marks) a consistent rhythm.

The sound can be thin at times, which is accentuated by the upper registers of Sidney's voice. That twee feel is fleeting, as the guitars are never too far away. Bratset's numbers, in particular, take some wonderful psychedelic turns. The High Water Marks splash in a lot of pools.

Each of the last three summers has kicked off with new music from these folks. And I can think of nothing better than a deep dive into these short, sharp, sweet songs. Summer has many smells and sounds, but the High Water Marks are creating their own corner of joy within those. There isn't another band creating power pop with this level of quantity and quality--and it's the quality that is the most impressive. Bliss out. Again.

Jon Worley