The third full-length effort from the Minneapolis-based duo and the follow-up to 2016's evocative song cycle Pennied Days, Can You Really Find Me delivers another meticulously crafted set of songs that also feel lived in and earnest. While the lyrics are steeped in Midwest longing and open-road stargazing, there is a distinct Cali-pop vibe to the Killers-esque "Mexico" and "Strands" Align," two of the ten-track set's earliest and strongest offerings. While vocalist John Pelant and bassist Micky Alfano's compositions are unabashedly steeped in the 1970s -- this is a band named after a Bob Seger song -- that golden patina is accented by enough modern flourishes that the proceedings never feel overtly retro, despite Pelant's Stevie Nicks-meets-Jeff Lynne vocalizing. Produced by Spoon drummer Jim Eno, the arrangements are inventive throughout, with sweeping strings, jangly guitars, and warm reverb-drenched synths doing most of the heavy lifting. The sumptuous "Waiting for the Symphony" effectively incorporates elements of soul and R&B, as does the hypnotic, multifaceted "Ribboned Skies," the latter of which manages to add in some impressive progressive rock brush strokes as well -- hello ELO. What's most remarkable about Can You Really Find Me is its ability to shoehorn these myriad sonic predilections into something that feels and sounds so effortless and cohesive. It's a cool wash of shimmering dream pop, soulful, electronics-laced indie rock, and windows-down Americana that somehow manages to be both unassuming and grand.
© James Christopher Monger /TiVo