Dear and the Headlights

I've been sitting on Dear and the Headlights for a few weeks and today just feels like the day. Somehow, this tight indie rock outfit calls Equal Vision Records its home. It's not completely staggering, but EVR is typically home to heavier, grittier, and more angular bands (Circa Survive, Coheed and Cambria, Fear Before the March of Flames, Olympia). It's like when Doghouse Records (Motion City Soundtrack, All American Rejects, Say Anything) put out the Honorary Title out of nowhere two years ago. It's definitely not a bad thing. Hell, I'm all for label diversity because it speaks to the capability of an individual to appreciate and enjoy multiple genres.

Alright, back to business. These guys bring the goods. In this case, the goods are feel-good, fantastically woven pop ditties. Oh yeah and the singer sounds like the dude from Better than Ezra and occasionally meanders into Adam Duritz territory. If that's the kind of statement that scares you, I suggest you buck up, kiddo.

Listen:
I'm Bored, You're Amorous
It's Gettin' Easy
[from Small Steps, Heavy Hooves|buy]