It’s a fortunate thing, then, that The Brunettes also happen to be magnificently talented songwriters. The group’s new album (and first for Sub Pop), Structure and Cosmetics, is certainly precious in the same way that Belle and Sebastian or Sufjan Stevens are, yet with a twinge of classic soul and ’60s girl-group sounds encircling their neatly crafted pop nuggets.
Half of Structure and Cosmetics is buoyant and bubbly Casio new wave such as the peppy “Obligatory Road Song,” whereas the other half consists mainly of wispy, reverb-kissed ballads like the gorgeous “Small Town Crew.” Curiously, the best of the bunch is “Wall Poster Star,” a lush and sexy epic fit for a night in with the old lady.
– Jeff Terich
The Brunettes (Sub Pop)