Handsome Furs
Album: Face Control
Label: Sub Pop/Outside
Rating: ****

While Wolf Parade might have more buzz, its singer Dan Boeckner’s other band, Handsome Furs, where he really shines. Along with wife Alexei Perry, this Montreal-based duo churn out a frenetic mix of synth heavy, distortion drenched rock. It’s a huge improvement over their debut, Plague Park — it’s louder, catchier, focused, slightly cheerier and far more accessible to the average indie fan. Everything is fantastic here, but it’s the Springsteen-esque Talking Hotel Arbat Blues that’ll really win you over.

On the web
www.myspace.com/handsomefurs