Under Neon

The lead figure in Lenz, Andy Jordan, has quite a history in the Bay Area music scene, as does fellow Lenz-er Ray Seraphin. But this group is, so far, the cream of the crop. This brief debut stands out for countless reasons. But if we had to name one or two, we'd start with the stellar songwriting: these tunes are fit for any alternative radio programs smart enough to play The Vaccines, The Horrors, or even The Strokes. The songs are tight, and they're as catchy as a spring fever. There's an air of '80s shimmer, especially on the essential "Hourglass" and "In the Middle of the Night," which rings with the kind of booming melancholy that drove bands like The Teardrop Explodes and early U2. There's enough barbed early-punk scruff on "Pharaohs" and "Through Streets" to lend Under Neon just a touch of toughness (though Jordan's vocals on "Through Streets" rather delightfully remind one of Adam Ant at moments). This little indie band won't remain little for too long; its name, under neon glow, should soon be lighting major marquees everywhere.