Stricken City

Stricken City might not be following a list on how to be a successful band, but if they were, they could definitely put a checkmark next to about half of it. They have a charismatic female singer (Rebekah Raa), who delivers her vocals in an idiosyncratic style that some people will love. They write catchy pop songs that are equal parts the Sugarcubes and the Long Blondes, with that fashionable late '80s indie pop sound that's all the rage. And they've put together a rather splendid debut album that plays to their strengths. It almost sounds too good to be true, and to a certain degree it is, although there is a lot of charm on display, such as on opening track "Gifted," which was recorded by Raa as she rode on a bus in London. Yet her quirky vocals can feel a little contrived, and it isn't like they've reinvented the wheel; it has all been done before. But taken at purely face value, Songs About People I Know is simply good pop music. Not that there's anything wrong with that.