Morning Tide

After a number of EP releases, this Southern California outfit's full-length debut shows a young band loaded with talent and potential. While wisely avoiding instruments like glockenspiel and strings (which are getting a bit overworked on the indie-pop circuit these days), the Little Ones employ a mellotron and a clavinet (both have wonderful, warm tones), while some production wizardry results in a fresh take on what could have been a tired sound. “Tangerine Visions” opens with a plucky little guitar line that sparkles like a Peter, Bjorn & John track, before giving way to a lovely chorus break that builds into a blissful crescendo; “Rise & Shine” starts off with an ‘80s drum and guitar, but quickly wraps itself in new millennium pop dressing. Singer Ed Reyes has a hugely appealing voice, and comes off at times like an earnest Liam Gallagher; in fact, one could compare the Little Ones to a savory, summery blend of Oasis, ‘60s group the Zombies, and a dash of the Shins. Guitars peal with sweet, infectious melodies, especially on the delightful, mellotron-driven “Morning Tide” and the sea-spray infused “Boracay,” while faintly evoking New Zealand’s Chills on “Ordinary Song.” Heavenly!