Generationals Actor-Caster

The second album from Generationals, following their breakout debut Con Law. Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer court their catchy tunes in uncomplicated ways, creating minor, genre-spanning songs that oddly locate the same sort of similar kind of grinning, crowd-pleasing affability. The dusty guitar boogie of "Ten-Twenty-Ten," which could pass for an early Phoenix track, is a great guidepost, showcasing the band's proclivity for lively rhythmics and frill-less, friendly hooks. From the Graceland-indebted bop of "I Promise" to the jerky, life-affirming thump of highlight "You Say It Too," Genrationals trade in a number of types of hooks. Even when they step outside their contort zone a little, like on the twinkling, MGMT-esque love song "Yours Forever," they do so with poise and clarity. - Pitchfork