It’s difficult to dislike Darwin Deez. No, make that downright darned impossible.
The New York band, led by Darwin Smith, operate within the musical boundaries of “sunny side up” and “whimsical”, although their indiepop sound is tempered by a humour that borders on cynicism.
Their third album is profuse with melody and jerky stop-start guitar riffs that occasionally veer into grunge-pop territory (Rated R) and amusing ruminations on a relationship (Last Cigarette, Lover).
Its taut pop bounce is mitigated by the marginally moodier The Other Side and Bag of Tricks, tracks exhibiting a depth beneath Smith's zany exterior.
There's nothing here that's quite as addictive as Radar Detector, from their debut album, but there's enough to keep a smile plastered firmly on your face.
