DJ Booth

Listening to Alex Vans' blissful marriage of rock and country on DJ Booth, you might assume he's from California, or maybe Texas. But nope: he hails from D.C. Clearly, Vans isn't drinking the same water as participants in that city's most famous occupation; DJ Booth is a focused, accomplished, and confident record that sweats an indie rock club vibe ("Someone," "Financial Crisis Blues," à la The Replacements), imparts a certain sophisticated singer/songwriter poetry ("Saints," "Faith," à la Nick Lowe), and even delivers vintage power-pop swagger ("Good Enough," à la The Plimsouls). Vans' gently biting voice is an excellent vehicle for his guitar-driven melancholy moments ("Black or White") and the oddly fitting pop tunes that sweeten the mix ("Chase the Night" even has glittering synths—and it works). The pulsing guitar on "Wait" has power-pop roots, but then a glockenspiel and piano kick in, bringing it squarely into the 21st century. DJ Booth is ripe with taut, solid songwriting, and hooky and unexpected melodic turns; it's a remarkable showcase of serious talent. Don't miss the bold and beautiful last track, "Hide Away."