Omega La La

On Rubblebucket's 2011 album, their first after removing the "orchestra" tag from their name, the group seems to have found just the right moment when it comes to their approach. In the year of tUnE-YarDs, Gang Gang Dance, and any other number of rhythm-centered acts in the world of indie pop getting more attention than ever, Omega La La's easy flow of singalongs, horn arrangements, keyboard breaks, and above all else, a multi-percussive swing, is impeccably timed. What makes "Down in the Yards" such a strong start to the album is how perfectly it's timed for summer 2011, something that just sways and moves like a random amble down a street, and from there things just cruise along as if it all came together in a moment. Songs like "Breatherz (Young as Clouds)" may have a slightly clunky title, but the opening brass and hints of highlife guitar tie together the whole path of early-'80s U.K. pop filtered into 21st century New York City as well as anything else on that front of late, despite the band introducing a nicely random, late-'70s prog/synth solo at the end. It disguises what's obviously some careful work, -- as can be heard in the increasingly frenetic blur of sound toward the end of "L'Homme" -- while never losing a core, flowing beat, or the exuberant, crisp, funk kick building up throughout "Came Out of a Lady" cutting down to a dreamy break before firing up in full again. "Lifted/Weak Arms" pretty clearly divides into the two parts of its title, from breezily sunny to a clipped, darker crunch; a version of rocking out that sounds intentionally hollow and crushing at once. Lead vocalist Kalmia Traver rides everything with immediate, ear-catching style, at once lost in the music and helping give it yet another focus. ~ Ned Raggett