Though they don't get lumped in with all the happening groups from North Carolina's Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill triangle, Charlotte quartet
Laburnum are another great group for that state to crow about. Shunning the mix of garage and punk-pop that launched so many NC groups, this 30-minute second effort finds them again dousing their guitars in hissing effects, warm bass, and bright, layered production, even better than the debut
Unnoticed. Wes Graty has a shy voice but a booming delivery, letting the notes of each syllable trail in a way that both challenges his pipes and prolongs the melodies. It's perfect for the post-shoegazing, dreamy tones the other three kick up, especially on the quicker, more instantly bracing material such as "10 Minute Ticker" and "Gone Too Far." The latter is flavored with minor dub elements, showing that
Laburnum have a well-rounded approach to varying sounds and styles as well as mucho talent.