Holiday

by Joshua KleinHoliday's self-titled debut makes up in enthusiasm what it sometimes lacks in scope. Produced with a keen ear for gadgetry by Dave Trumfio, Holiday offers adamantly twee pop in the vein of the band's heroes, the Magnetic Fields. Singer Josh Gennet's voice is much higher than Magnetic Fields singer Stephin Merritt's rich baritone, so songs like "Soft Batch," "Permission Slip," and "Sarah" never sound like the product of pure copycat behavior. Additionally, "Obviously Love" and "Ace Tone" both belie an allegiance to new wave hooks that Holiday exploits more successfully on later albums, though drummer Calvin Chin and bassist Andrew Park energetically propel the songs in a manner at odds with the effete delivery.