Ellington

New York noise-pop band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart creates an easily listenable experience, one with a much more jovial experience than one might expect from an album called "Days of Abandon."

Guitarist Kip Berman and keyboardist Peggy Wang alternate vocals with great efficacy. Both channel classics such as Hall & Oates, Fleetwood Mac and The Smiths in the best way possible, pulling from those intrinsically likeable pop artists while putting modern elements to work. Even better, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart employs aesthetically '80s pop without falling into the habit of using excessive lo-fi—an all-too prevalent aspect in modern indie music. Additionally, songs like "Kelly" and "Eurydice" further elevate the group above the gaggle of shoe-gaze bands performing today, as they aren't ashamed to be energetic and fun. Why anyone would choose to emulate the 1980s yet remove any sense of amusement from the decade is beyond me, but "Days of Abandon" apologizes for its brethren releases and returns some much needed happiness.

Berman and Wang also maneuver expertly through low-energy territory. For instance, the final track, "The Asp at My Chest," feels more dynamic despite being the slowest on the album. The tonal shifts keep the album fresh and avoid draining the listener. Ultimately, "Days of Abandon" defies trends, managing to feel dreamy but not lazy, fun but not witless, and stylish but not at all insincere.