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Dec 06, 2013 Psapp By John Everhart

Despite releasing three terrific LPs in the ‘00s and one of their songs being used as Grey’s Anatomy‘s theme song, Psapp never really received their due. Their plinky, minimalist electro pop was perhaps perceived as overly precious, when in actuality their songcraft was always erudite, and at times downright brilliant. On What Makes Us Glow, the duo of Carim Clasmann and Galia Durant sound more self-assured than ever, creating a terrific album of baroque pop meted out in miniatures.

This is the band’s most eclectic album to date. It ranges from the funereal “The Cruel the Kind and the Bad,” approximating a slow-motion Tom Waits dirge, while the buzzing, metronomic “Wet Salt” features a roller-rinkish keyboard melody which abruptly gives way to the sweet rush of Durant’s vocals at the chorus, in which she plaintively urges, “Don’t let it be over/Now I’m getting closer.”

And indeed, as the gossamer strains of closing track “In and Out” give way to extemporaneous studio noise, you’re left wanting more after an all too ephemeral glimpse into the heart of this charmed, criminally underappreciated pop act. (www.psapp.greedbag.com)

Author rating: 7.5/10