LCD Soundsystem – American Dream – DFA/Columbia
FourScore
LCD Soundsystem was broken up, then it wasn’t. Played its last live show, then, well, kinda didn’t. But in the end, it seems LCD was (perhaps in spite of itself) on its way to recording another album, and this is it. From the opener (“Oh Baby”) to the finale (the appropriately-titled “Black Screen”), this is the stuff indie icons are made of, especially considering the set’s first two carefully picked singles, the angry-U2 sounds of “Call the Police,” and the slow-burning title track, with its poignant observations and world-weary melody. ***
Foster the People – Sacred Hearts Club – Columbia
Ankle-deep in new sounds while keeping one hand firmly on the side of the pool, FTP jumps in to its latest collection of tracks with caution, a solid decision that pays off in how the band blends old and new. It doesn’t abandon the approach that made its Torches album such a catchy must-have; instead, FTP wades in slowly, unfolding its electronica side on tunes “Doing It for the Money” and “Lotus Flower,” but going all in with its pop chops via the Beach Boys-esque “Static Space Lover.” *** ½
Matt Pond PA – Still Summer – Polyvinyl
Having announced this as Matt Pond PA’s final album lends a certain air to this set, which fits in perfectly with the album title, as if the band’s fans are stretching out their fingertips for one last handhold before school starts again. Frontman Matt Pond will still make music, just not with this particular outfit. But he and his bandmates are leaving you with this set of nostalgic indie-pop numbers that capture many a mood, from the balladry of “Legends Before the Fall,” to the floating “Canada,” and the propellant “Union Square.” ***
Lo Tom – Lo Tom – Barsuk
If you like Pedro the Lion, then chances are you’ll like Lo Tom — because Pedro’s frontman and founder David Bazan is the brain behind this new band project. Stepping aside from his indie-rock roots to tackle a more mainstream variety of guitar rawk, Bazan and his collaborators (one old and two new-ish) crank out the hooks on tunes like “Covered Wagon” and “Overboard” with a focus aimed directly at your ears. Only eight songs later, the whole thing departs the stage, a little too fast to absorb after such a big change-up. ** ½