Oxford Collapse - Bits

Like The Thermals and Tokyo Police Club, Oxford Collapse are fans of the bratty two-minute punk song. Half-shouted vocals, guitar riffs that whip you in the face with their fury, urgent drum beats that leave you with an aching neck; all are good examples of Oxford Collapse's passionate indie rock sound. On their fourth album, Bits, due out on August 5th, the Brooklyn trio scale back their quirky side and play up their angular guitar riffs instead, resulting in a strong effort that shows just how much they've matured since 2006's Remember The Night Parties. A track like "Young Love Delivers" is a perfect combination of singer Michael Pace's Malkmus-esque lyrics and his Bob Nanna in Braid-like croon. But, all indie rock forefather comparisons aside, Oxford Collapse are capable of delivering their own style of music instead of relying directly on their influences to carry them through an album. You won't find songs like "Back of the Yards," "Vernon-Jackson," or "Children's Crusade," on any other band's record this year. If you like your indie rock with smart, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a tangle of guitar chords, Oxford Collapse's Bits may just be your new favorite album.

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Recommended Tracks: "Electric Arc," "Young Love Delivers," "Back of the Yards," "For The Winter Coats," "Children's Crusade."