Young and Sexy

Four albums in, Young and Sexy continue to refine their subtle yet unmistakable talents. The Arc, like 2006’s Panic When You Find It, is a tactful distillation of several great ideas from the last several decades. Beach Boys-style harmonies, sunshine pop production, languid slide guitar and noir-style twang are blended beautifully and drenched in reverb. The band look back in time for musical cues but that’s it — there are no kitschy throwbacks or retro gimmicks. The band do just fine without them. Lead singer Lucy Brain’s voice is perfectly suited to the music. She sings with purpose, carrying her tunes terrifically without forcing them; she doesn’t allow histrionics to compromise the sounds she’s shaping. Occasionally, Young and Sexy get lazy and slip into rather played out, Thrill Jockey-style indie rock. These lapses are never prolonged, however. The few dull moments are forgiven and forgotten as soon as the gorgeous harmonies or dreamlike sound effects kick in.