The Few | s/t | PSB

When listening to the self-titled debut from new indie rockers, the Few, one can’t help but be swallowed up by their refreshing, light-hearted take on a genre often saddled by crunchy guitars and overly downtrodden lyrics. Instead, the Few outshine many of their counterparts by sticking with what they do best: composing smiling, shining little ditties that speak to love and the occasional tinge of melancholy.

The L.A.-based trio had the right idea when they traveled all the way to Athens, Georgia to record their debut. Along with the help of Andy LeMaster of Bright Eyes, they assembled a solid, clean and down-to-earth album. It lacks the fluff that becomes representative of big-city rockers trying to dive into a mainstream sea of homogeneity.

The album radiates a bright and youthful vigor that combines the voice of Elvis Costello and the rhythmic punch of the Pretenders, circa late ’80s and early ’90s. The music is not naive though. The songs consist of intelligent lyrics laced with harmonic simplicity and energetic beats.

Although the album flows perfectly from one track to another and the laid-back motif isn’t interjected with too many opposing genres, it’s far from boring or unvarying. Tracks such as “Ferris Wheel” blend a fast drum beat with soft echoing vocals that seem to suspend in a dream-like state. “Let Me Down” offers deeply honest lyrics backed by somewhat synthesized, electro-sounding guitar.

Although this album is nothing groundbreaking or awe-inspiring, it’s obvious their intentions were to make a fun album that’s easy on the ears and will yield a burgeoning audience for this young group. Chances are, no matter what mood you’re in, you’ll find the album easy to relate to and successful in modestly showcasing the Few’s yet-to-be-tapped potential.

[Sara Smith listened to this CD more than a few times. Get it? The few?… oh, never mind.]