Grammar

Body Language's debut album Social Studies hit on a formula that worked well for the Brooklyn quartet. Stitching together a sound that was equally influenced by glittering disco, smoldering R&B, and hypnotic indie rock a la Passion Pit, the group showed lots of promise. Their second album, 2013's Grammar, builds on that and delivers a follow-up that's just as bright and shiny, but with better songs and better production from group members Grant Wheeler and Matt Young. This time out there's more left-field R&B and electric funk in the mix and less indie rock, which makes for a more rewarding listen since the Passion Pitt-y aspect of the band was the least interesting element. Not a coincidence then that the only weak moment on Grammar is the most indie rock moment, the boringly anthemic "The First." The rest of the record is one bubbling, grooving song after another, with vocalists Matt Young and Angelica Bess crooning sweet somethings over the kind of beats Miguel will want to steal for his next album ("Rocketship," "I'm a Mess") or that Daft Punk could totally admire ("Well Absolutely," "The Chasing"). In a different world or time, the record's best song, "Just Because," would be a radio hit, sounding like a super funky Rene & Angela track with a huge chorus and instrumental hook. In 2013, it's just perfect pop music for people who don't mind skipping the glossy overkill of the actual pop music of 2013. In fact, thanks to the richly crafted production, the timeless nature of the songs, and the heartfelt performances, Grammar ends up being one of the best underground pop albums of 2013. ~ Tim Sendra|