Proving that less is oftentimes more, Weak Signal’s latest LP, Fine, is a shining example of the group’s pure songwriting skills and paired-down approach.

No matter if they’re hammering out fierce riff-driven bangers or gentle smoke-stained ballads, this NYC-based trio demonstrates a complete mastery of their art. Mike Bones, (guitar and vocals), Sasha Vine (electric bass, violin, and vocals) and Tran (drums and vocals) pack addictive melodies, sharp lyrics and tasty hooks into tight little numbers that contain the power of songs four times their length.

With the aid of keyboardist Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) and guitarists Cass McCombs and Doug Shaw (Gang Gang Dance; White Magic), the band flushes out their sound and delivers on sheer volume and intensity. They pummel your ears on songs like the jagged “Barking at The Moon,” and especially during the first bombastic minute or so of the achingly beautiful “Baby,” driving each song deep into your heart and grey matter, where they will stay for years to come.

With each tune trimmed and boiled down into a pure distillation of the group’s greatest strengths, there is not a single clunky moment or any room for fluff to be found on this album. This is a solid record top to bottom that never bores and always scores. If you’re a fan of the Velvets, Antietam and Sonic Youth, but you don’t know Weak Signal or this album specifically yet, then you need to correct that ASAP. Gets yours from 12XU today.

-KH