Lazarus Beach

Alabama indie band Through the Sparks produce a stew of ramshackle but ear-pleasing guitar pop on Lazarus Beach. There's something likable yet wobbly about Through the Sparks' quirky vision, but when they are able to right themselves (like a child's first unsteady ride on a bicycle), they offer up bright and sophisticated moments, such as on the lounge-lite, bouncy "Mexico (Every Last Buffalo)," which seems to decry the imperialism of yuppie housing developments against moaning organ and a well-intentioned (if slightly sloppy) reverbed guitar run. "L. Roi" takes up more serious matters, offering up a tale of suicide against a slightly smudged but altogether bright musical landscape. Everything is a little rough around the edges on this home brew of eccentric indie pop, but the bright moments shine enough to expose the strong collective will and songwriting beneath it all. And there are enough grand moments to generate interest. ~ Erik Hage