/S/+/ is the first full length album from American duo Ben Cooper and Alex Cane and in keeping with the indie rock stereotype it was recorded in a bedroom and a toolshed. Their album is essentially rock but the juxtaposition of low-fi guitars with subtle electronic post-production sets it apart from many others. Crackly drums and reversed cymbals meld with the slightly whiney vocals as if that’s how rock music has always been done. Sweet carefree melodies emerge with spurts of kooky electronics like any good folktronic release, and there are moments when you’re sure Ben and Alex have a lot of Death Cab For Cutie and Styrofoam releases in their CD collection. But it’s the solid songwriting with lyrics you can understand, and eventually sing along with, that makes this album something worth listening to over and over again.
Angela Stengel
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