The Zolas

Piano pop tends to conjure images of one of two things: balladeering teen songstresses like Vanessa Carlton or Elton John. But a pair of Vancouverites are taking the term back, marrying the genre's piano-driven hooks to indie rock tropes. Inspired by their native city and its hipster enclaves like the Biltmore Hotel, Zachary Gray and Tom Dobrzanski have written a fantastic collection of songs for their debut as the Zolas. Opener "You're Too Cool" sets the tone, with the duo sharing vocal duties, delivering twisted pop tales littered with sing-along choruses and catchy melodies. Only the verses on "Marlaina Kamikaze" feel awkward or out of place. Co-produced by Howard Redekopp ― no stranger to indie pop rockers via his work with the New Pornographers ― Tic Toc Tic strikes the balance between slick, smooth pop and raw rock.