The members of this band live on four continents, but at one time they all were at school in Australia. That's kinda ancillary to everything else, but I'm not sure I've come across an active band with such a far-flung membership. Even the Mekons stick to only two continents (most of the time).

The Kind Hills Clusterluck (self-released)

So. Shoegazy pop. Precisely the sort of thing that is unironically called "indie" these days. It's . . . fine. But the way the remotely-recorded vocals are assembled is stunning. Those vocals take perfectly workmanlike songs and turn them into understated anthems.

The sound is gauzy as all get out, but every once in a while the hooky choruses break out of the fog. Part of that is the effect of the fully-deployed multi-layered vocals. That sound brings an almost overwhelming intrinsic pleasure response. The modest production enhances those moments of ecstasy.

I must admit that I feel a bit perverse enjoying this album so much. The vocal element is really the only thing that pricks up my ears, but it is so awesome that it makes up for the merely modest appeal of everything else. The perfect accompaniment for a lazy summer (or winter) day.

Jon Worley