Cousins

Anyone put off by the questionable production employed on Cousins' LP, The Palm at the End of the Mind, should check out the Halifax duo live before passing final judgement. The pair dole out pop hooks as if they were tap water. Some of the band's recorded energy was lost due to singer-guitarist/kick drummer Aaron Mangle's seated position throughout their set -- not to mention foot pedals and patch cords that seemed to be perpetually on the fritz -- but it all added to their lo-fi charm. They alternated more sprightly numbers like "Jules" with slower, grungier ones that occasionally threatened to drag down their set, but drummer Leigh Dotey kept the momentum by providing rock-steady backing to Mangle's riffing.