Lemuria

In early 2010, pre-eminent contemporary hardcore label Bridge Nine announced they would be releasing the sophomore effort from Lemuria, a decidedly un-hardcore band. The indie rock-leaning Buffalo, NY three-piece are not without some punk inclinations, of course ― the angular tendencies of post-punk and hardcore, and a personal predilection for emo's second wave, not unlike the Get Up Kids or the Promise Ring before them. The production value on Pebble (courtesy of prolific producer J. Robbins) is what's most notably different from 2008 debut Get Better, otherwise the male/female call-and-response vocals from drummer/vocalist Alex Kerns and guitarist/vocalist Sheena Ozzella remain, hitting contagious new heights on "Different Girls," a half-mocking reassurance to the girlfriend of a touring musician, where the minimal, plinking guitar perfectly balances the sugary, harmonious chorus repetition. On "Bloomer," Lemuria's rattled pop is refined just enough to showcase the strong Superchunk influences, and it's a perfect example of what makes this understated album one that will work its way into high rotation.