Born Ruffians

Turning heads opening for British synth pop sensations Hot Chip, Toronto’s best new independent band won over fans by simply leaving complimentary two-track CD-Rs on the merch table. The gawky squawk of singer/guitarist Luke LaLonde incites the same feeling of elation that came from first hearing Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Altogether, the trio craft a bubbly slice of affable indie rock that drifts into a pinnacle of adorable handclap-led cheers and howls. (www.bornruffians.com)