Fergus & Geronimo

Fergus & Geronimo are a garage band unlike any other. The 13 songs found on their debut are more goofy than gritty, and they feature a bizarre mishmash of styles and unexpected instrumental choices. Unlearn starts off with the relatively straightforward "Girls with English Accents," a countrified barnburner that recalls the Kinks at their most ramshackle. From there, things get downright strange. The flute-assisted "Wanna Know What I Would Do?" sounds vaguely medieval, while "Powerful Lovin'" is a dramatic R&B waltz laden with gut-wrenching yells and goofy doo-wop harmonies. The oddball genre-hopping makes for an interesting, but slightly disorienting, listen. Unlearn's best song is also its most peaceful; the title track wraps up the album with a soothing wash of beach-ready harmonies and a pair of touching spoken-word monologues from a female friend of the band. This moment of prettiness comes as a much-needed palate-cleanser after the quirks and tension of the rest of the collection.