Modern Accent

At 24 minutes, Modern Accent is a succinct collection of everything that the Brooklyn-based Little Racer do right. The four-piece combine their obvious Amerindie-rock influences with the British influence of New Order; singer Elliot Michaud should consider dual citizenship. The key to the band, however, is bassist Ish Nazmi, who has surely spent years listening to Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order. His basslines are as melodic and propulsive as Hook's; they're given a further concentrated boost in the mix on “Fire Island.” The opening track, “Fake French,” takes the New Order influence and combines it with an earnest pop melody and vocals that reflect a Beach Boys influence. Elements of modern British rock—The Crookes comes to mind on “Ghostly”—are represented in the deliberately catchy choruses and thick, shimmering guitars that float throughout the EP. There isn’t a false moment to be heard.