Note: Though Bishop Allen’s first two albums were way-under-the-radar indie releases, the band’s gained a decent amount of mainstream exposure during the last year and a half. Their song “Click, Click, Click, Click” was used in a Sony camera commercial, and they performed “Middle Management” in the 2008 film Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (it’s also on the soundtrack). Both songs were from their 2007 album The Broken String. Grrr… is their third full-length.
Sound: Dainty, quirky and snappy indie pop that incorporates a fair amount of marimba and strings, and the occasional ukulele.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “The Lion & The Teacup”; “South China Moon”; “Tiger, Tiger”
Medium Rotation tracks: “True or False”; “Oklahoma”; “Dimmer”
Recommended: Fans of Vampire Weekend should find a lot to like on here—the songs aren’t as strong, the music’s not quite as worldly and on the whole, they’re not as original. But if you like light, quick-hitting hits with a mix of dorky ambition and childlike innocence, Bishop Allen have plenty to offer you.
Grade: B+

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