For those of us who live in a seasonal climate, summer is the time to be happy and nostalgic, providing the opportunity to eschew the excessively serious and reconnect with the things that reliably make us happy. For many, this includes listening to music that is cheerful, poppy, and slightly retro... something new and familiar all at once. Of all the young bands that have stepped up to satisfy this demand, Dartmouth college-rockers Filligar seem familiar with the territory; considering that these guys (3 brothers and a friend) have been releasing albums since they were freshmen, it is safe to say that they know what they're doing.

Filligar's latest, Near or Far, opens with No I Won't , a tightly-produced trade-off between vocals and organ set to a pulsing drum beat, complete with oohs, ahhs, and a jam-style guitar solo; although the instrumentation is relatively traditional, it doesn't seem like these guys care, instead suggesting a pop-rock approach that is classically enjoyable and grounded in rich history. Furthermore, by beginning the album as such, these guys define their style as tried-and-true while simultaneously paving the way for innovative "variations on a theme."

...and by the dancey anthem of a conclusion, Hounds , Filligar successfully proves their potential; after all, these guys are Ivy Leaguers familiar with all the oldies their parents listened to, and only after they've brought it all to the table and made it groovy do the hips begin to shake. While most of the tracks on Near or Far will certainly fulfill your need for vintage summer happiness, by "Hounds," three-quarters now post-college Filligar show that there's a whole lot more to explore, and thus a whole lot more to offer. Pick up their newest jams while they're still $3! (And fan them on Facebook before the teenage girls beat you to it.)

Recommended Tracks:
No I Won't
Hounds