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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2009

ARMY NAVY:
ARMY NAVY
(THE FEVER ZONE) ***

Los Angeles-by-way-of-Seattle quartet Army Navy got a boost when its song "Silvery Sleds" was included on the soundtrack of "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist." "Silvery Sleds" isn't included here, but the 11 originals that are establish the group as solid newcomers, combining power-pop exuberance with more shadowy alt-rock strains.

Let's Active comes to mind, mainly because singer Justin Kennedy's nasal, youthful voice resembles Mitch Easter's. The presence of drummer Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello) on a few tracks boosts the power part of the pop equation. A closing cover of disco-era puffball "Right Back Where We Started From" puts a cap on one of 2008's most pleasant surprises.

Download this: "Slight of Hand"

Curtis Ross

BLOC PARTY:
INTIMACY
(VICE) ***

The boisterous indie rockers are back, and their third full-length album takes an electronic bent that brings them closer to fellow Brits Muse and Radiohead.

You'll find Bloc Party's trademark staccato vocals and feverish dance beats on singles "Mercury" and "One Month Off," along with all-grown-up touches including horns and electronic production.

But tucked between club hits, the working-town boys have left a bread-crumb trail to the reason behind the album's title. Lead singer Kele Okereke is laid bare in plaintive lyrics over a backup choir and electronic drumbeats in "Zephyrus," and the bells and sweet melody of "Signs" are a post-adolescent echo of the oft-overlooked quiet moments of the band's celebrated debut.

Download this: "Signs"

Emily Seawell

LADYHAWKE:
LADYHAWKE
(MODULAR) ***½

Welcome to the '80s. New Zealander Ladyhawke (aka Pip Brown) and her self-titled debut disc have an uncanny way of transporting listeners back in time without being over the top.

What's rad is that Ladyhawke got her start as a drummer in her school band. She wrote and arranged the songs, and plays four instruments on this disc.

"My Delirium" drops you off at the skating rink with its animated pulse. "Love Don't Live Here" has you on your bed sulking at your Corey Haim poster after learning he has a girlfriend.

The album is superbly produced by a list of collaborators too long to name. Each track builds momentum and has simple lyrics perfect for sing-alongs. If Ladyhawke comes to town for a concert, I'm so there - jelly bracelets, shell toes and all.

Download this: "Magic"

Sarah Hoye

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