Imperial Teen
Feel The Sound
January 2012
Merge
Despite the fact that San Francisco’s Imperial Teen have been churning out their sugary brand of alt-rock since 1996, they’re still one of Merge’s best-kept secrets. Those of us who remember their 1999 hit “You Hoo” from the Jawbreaker soundtrack will be glad to hear those catchy pop vocals with an indie rock grittiness on tracks like the album opener “Runaway.” In fact, that track features the entire band on lead vocals. Their fifth full-length, Feel the Sound includes the same wry, witty lyrics and addictive vocal harmonies that have kept this band going strong. But don’t listen too fast; this band is on a luxurious once-every-five-years release schedule, so you’ll likely need to make this lollipop last.
Listen to this: While racing your best friend to the ice cream truck this summer.
— Annie Russell