Silversun Pickups: 'Carnavas'

With the looming resurgence of 90's American college-rock comes Silversun Pickups from the Silver Lakes district of LA. 'Carnavas' is the debut full-length release from this quartet, who combine elements of grunge band Smashing Pumpkins, traces of shoegazers My Bloody Valentine and hints of Australian emo foursome Iron On. 'Carnavas' is an accomplished release with tightly-played guitars and pounding drums. Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger's complimenting vocals are pleasantly epicene and often hard to distinguish between. This gives the album an androgynous feel and at times brings to mind the dreamy and sun-soaked charm of Joy Zipper.

Stand out tracks are the heavy guitar-riff opener 'Well Thought Out Twinkle' which erupts with a 70's rock introduction before retreating to Aubert's melodic and tender vocals. An upbeat 'Lazy Eye' veers closely to emulating the soothing sounds of 'Today' by the aforementioned Pumpkins and the moody-yet-serene 'Rusted Wheel' is vocally and lyrically sublime.

Released on 28th May 2007 by Sire Records.

Written by Jeff Schofield.