June and Novas

Sporting a sophisticated and intelligently crafted sound, the Moonbabies' debut is an absolute modern pop success. Featuring studio-smart pop production, this Swedish duo injects electronic textures, drum loops, and various effects into the seemingly straightforward pop sensibilities. Sometimes coming off as a combination of the easygoing aesthetic of Toad the Wet Sprocket and the meticulous sheen of Garbage, this band provides a multi-pronged attack, bouncing from driving rock to moody musical interludes. As both Carina Johansson and Ola Frick share the songwriting, instrumental, and vocal duties, many sounds and moods are evoked, from the out of control (and tune) sprawl through the grungey "My Buddy Buddy" to the soft acoustic guitar coda "Winter Broken Time." Still, the majority fall in between, with Frick building many arrangements on top of his shimmering guitar hooks and using various atmospheric production tricks to create a densely enveloping sound. Overall, an impressive marriage of traditional indie pop and modern electronic production.