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Aug 26, 2011 #37 – St. Vincent By Lauren Barbato

Mention the phrases “Afropop” or “Middle Eastern-tinge” to describe an indie rock group and the immediate association is Vampire Weekend. Fool’s Gold threatened to seize that monopoly with their bold self-titled debut in 2009, the influences ringing more authentic with frontman Luke Top’s Hebrew vocals dominating.

That language might be all but obsolete on their infectiously jovial follow-up—save for a track titled “Tel Aviv,” a sparkling love letter to the Israeli capital blending Top’s wailing cries with his striking staccato Hebrew—but the stronger bridge between the East and West aesthetics creates a new, much-needed accessibility. Akin to their debut, Fool’s Gold have a habit of fizzling like a caffeine rush half-way through, the once-crystalline pop teetering on rustic in its redundancy. But like “Tel Aviv” does for the band’s street cred, closing ballad “Lantern” rescues Leave No Trace from wandering aimlessly into the desert night. (www.foolsgoldmusic.com)

Author rating: 6/10