The Sea & Cake - Car Alarm

One of the most remarkable post-rock outfits from Chicago underground, The Sea & Cake, known for enlisting the super-producer/drummer John McEntire as a member, is one of the most melodic and pop-oriented groups among the Chicago post-rock scene. Their songs are generally concise as one could expect from pop music, played with jazzy touch as well as indie rock attitude. On some albums one can detect a touch of bossanova (like Oui) or flirtation with electronica (The Fawn, One Bedroom).

Car Alarm, however, continues the back to basics ethos of previous album Everybody. Similarly to the earliest albums like The Biz, the band emphasizes the rock aspect, the album opener "Aerial" is especially strong and energetic opening bang from the group who generally seems to be marked by sedate restraint. Musically there's little that is new, but nonetheless Car Alarm is an enjoyable record from this consistent-sounding group, and several good melodic songs are to be found here.