The Radio Dept. - Lesser Matters (2003)

As far as random finds go, this one probably reigns supreme for me. Sweden's Radio Dept. play gorgeous indie pop steeped in a haze of youthful nostalgia and simplicity. Imagine a twee Cocteau Twins and you'll be going down the right path.

Their sound is ultimately one of mellow comfort. Electronic drums twitter and click softly alongside lightly fuzzed-out guitars and hushed, almost sotto voce singing. It's shoegaze without the heavy noise or minimal indie rock with an extra kiss from crackled lips. It has a calm beauty of its own, a peace that won't be found in many other bands.

Lyrically, Radio Dept. keep the mood with simple, sometimes childish themes about love and interactions. From waking up with someone you love to being lonely and afraid in your apartment, Lesser Matters keeps things cute and vaguely pertinent to life.

I saw you on bus 15
Heading north to take the train
Everyone looks the same
Still we have different names

If you consider yourself a fan of shoegaze, rock, or soft music in general, get this.

Verdict: Epic Win [5/5]

http://www.myspace.com/officialradiodept