Listening to
Math and Physics Club's self-titled debut album is an unrelentingly pleasant experience. Drawing on influences like C86-style indie pop, current Scot-pop bands like
Camera Obscura, and Sarah label bands (
Brighter,
Another Sunny Day, etc.), the group lightly and politely strums and jangles through ten witty and gentle songs of love lost and found. Warmth is the key word to describe the record, whether it's singer Charles Bert's dulcet tones, the subtle layers of strings (strummed acoustic and melodic electric guitars, melancholy violin) found on each track, the liberal application of reverb on the drums, or the tender emotions detailed in the lyrics. An autumnal mood of introspection pervades the album, but there's plenty of sonic variety to be found with a nice mix of ballads, mid-tempo tunes, and a few that would get even the shyest indie kid out on the dancefloor ("April Showers," "Cold as Minnesota," "Such a Simple Plan"). Sure, it's as derivative as can be -- sounding at various times like
Belle & Sebastian (the songs Stevie sings),
the Lucksmiths, or even a baby
Smiths -- but there is enough emotion, melodic songcraft, and style to carry you past the obvious similarities and let you enjoy the record for what it is: a solidly crafted, sweet-as-sugar pop record.