Fun.

Avid followers of now defunct American indie pop bands Steel Train, Anathallo and the Format have been eagerly awaiting this super-group debut, and now they're most likely quite satisfied with it. Formed by vocalist/guitarist Jack Antonoff (Steel Train), multi instrumentalist Andrew Dost (Anathallo) and vocalist Nate Ruess (the Format), Fun. are jaunty, peppy and quite the adventure. Although they sound closest to the Format, with orchestral instruments taking the lead in place of guitars, it's clear these three are enjoying writing the kind of music they wanted to all along. Ruess shines with his rejuvenated vocals and, at times, it seems as if he's a newfound descendant of Snow White, as the orchestra follows and complements him as if little birds. But everything evens out ― from guitar and the rhythms to the accordion, calliope, horns and oboe ― and it better with a large list of 20 contributors. Aim and Ignite is friendly, fun and somehow an unusual modern-day fairy tale.