Alix

Alix is the fourth release from New Orleans–based pop craftsmen Grant Widmer and Ted Joyner. Catchy tunes are the duo's specialty—and cut for cut, Alix may have the densest collection of all their releases yet, with sparkling melodies, close harmonies, and bouncy rhythms delivered with infectious glee. There’s far less guitar and more emphasis on synths and keyboards than on previous efforts, but hooks are still the focus here. The album overflows with quirky, feel-good pop that’s crisp and addictive. The gurgling synths of uptempo tracks like “Black Lemon” and “Reading Signs” quickly win you over, while gauzy midtempo tunes like “Gold Silver Diamond” and “Now Look at Me” sink in slowly, adding a nice balance to the album's latter half. Cohesive and concise at just 35 minutes, it’s made for repeat listens.