Penturbia

The album title refers to the theory that people are moving to more rural areas in reaction to the growth of suburbia. Penturbia, the album, however, is 12 songs of top-notch college pop/rock. The vocals are unique and come off quite creative, with a nod to Switchfoot as well as some of Troubled Hubble's influences such as Built to Spill and Ben Folds Five. In many ways, the sense of humor and musical angle are reminiscent of Archers of Loaf, as much of the music is upbeat; the band has found a way to make even gloomy subjects not be musically miserable. The entire album is a lot of fun and quite catchy, even in its occasional introspective moments. Songs like "I Love My Canoe" will have the ever-too-serious indie rocker rolling his/her eyes on the first listen and singing along on the next. It's fun and yet still retains some indie credibility with its lack of cheesiness. It's bands like Troubled Hubble and albums like Penturbia that show the underground to still be alive and well.