Some major label indie pop sophomore releases making waves recently:

We Are Scientists “Brain Thrust Mastery”
This is the group’s second album for a major label after the hit debut “With Love and Squalor”, and it opens with the intense, bloated “Ghouls,” full of guitar squalls/feedback, a constant percussive tapping, and robotic repeating lyrics. Things get better later on with some downright catchy indie pop (“After Hours”) and some synth drum dance pop (“Lethal Enforcer”) that sounds like leftovers from an 80’s OMD album. No doubt about it here, the good tracks are worth the effort, like the smooth rock of “Impatience” and the gentle “Spoken For.” The buzzing bass backdrop of “Altered Beast” is another hooky bit of pop goodness. Unfortunately the other tracks are mediocre Duran Duran retreads at best and even songs that have all the elements of a catchy hit (“That’s What Counts”) die on the creative vine. Three or four tracks alone would make this a good EP, but that’s it for me. Cherry pickers welcome here.
We Are Scientists Page | My Space | Itunes (After Hours Single)

The Kooks “Konk”
The Kooks return with their second album “Konk” and it delivers more of that great Brit-power pop. The twelve tracks bop and bounce with catchy guitar hooks and beats, and Luke Pritchards vocals that are very much like The Cure’s Robert Smith on happy pills. Every song is enjoyable here, and “Always Where I Need To Be” rocks with a unstoppable “Do Do Do” chorus and handclaps during the bridge. The songcraft skills of these guys are also excellent. “Mr. Maker” is a bit of a nod to Mr. Davies, with it’s personality-in-a-song story. After all, this was recorded in Konk Studios (thus the album title here). “Do You Wanna” is similiar to Ok Go in approach and sound. And it’s just wonderful. The strong guitars and funky rhythm of “Stormy Weather” is another standout that can’t be ignored. It’s rock that you can dance to and that I can play over and over again, never skipping tracks. It also makes an excellent soundtrack to your workout as well. Feel the burn, baby!
The Kook’s home | My Space| Itunes

This is a neat little self produced gem that is only for sale at Kool Kat Musik and Unsigned Bands. Pure Beatlesque pop style is lovingly recreated by songwriters Tony Cox and Darren Finlan. With Rickenbacker strum and wistful harmonies, it will take you back to the “Rubber Soul” era. The catchy “Lonely Girl” sets the Merseybeat mood, and then add a bit of Herman’s Hermits meets Zombies on the lovely “Keep it Real.” It’s also not slavish imitation, but strikingly original songs done in that retro-style. Bits of old school psychedelic pop and folk style also come out on “Say The Word” not unlike the classic Turtles. The album closer “Here Comes Summer” is a dead on amazing Monkees-styled track played with garage-like abandon. The vocals are excellent and sun kissed melodies bear repeat listens. This CD-R was started in 2004, finally came out and thank goodness I found it, thanks to a heads up from powerpopaholic fan, Maurice. Go to the bands website to hear the several album tracks. It’s highly recommended to all classic power pop fans and especially Beatle fans.

Offbeat web site | KoolKat Musik | CDBaby