The Rosebuds - Life Like

Although they're not one of the more well-known bands on the Merge roster, I've always had a soft spot for The Rosebuds and their jangly indie-pop charm. On Life Like, their fourth album due for release on October 7th, the duo of Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp combine their love for Yo La Tengo with a bit of a darker tone that was absent on their last album, 2007's Night Of The Furies. "Cape Fear" is an instant attention grabber, with its catchy backing vocal harmonies and foreboding guitars that stray from The Rosebuds' signature pop-happy sound. A Howard sung track, "Border Guards," follows, carrying the brooding tone on the album even further with his reflective vocals and sweeping waves of soft percussion and strings. If you're worried that The Rosebuds have lost their indie-pop exuberance altogether, tracks like "Bow To The Middle" and "In The Backyard" will ease your mind, as these playful gems recall Night Of The Furies tracks like "Cemetery Lawns" and "Get Up And Get Out." Overall, Life Like isn't a life-changing album, but there is something special behind its pensive tone. Whether they're writing indie-pop nuggets or contemplative odes, there is no denying the fact that The Rosebuds are excellent songwriters that know how to create the perfect pop song for the right moment.

DOWNLOAD: The Rosebuds - Life Like [Merge]
Recommended Tracks: "Cape Fear," "Border Guards," "Bow To The Middle," "Nice Fox," "In The Backyard."