Electrelane

Electrelane's 2001 debut, Rock It to the Moon, was almost entirely instrumental, a maze of atmospheric tangents and swirling guitar countermelodies. Its just-released fourth record No Shouts, No Calls contains several songs without traditional verses and choruses, letting the all-female quartet's angelic harmonies float over slinky undulating basslines, giddy keyboards and crackling feedback. However, while maintaining its experimental edge, the Brighton, England, band has developed a real penchant for pop hooks. With its gentle jangles and warm pulsing rhythms, the album opener "The Greater Times" recalls U2's "With or Without You" — at least until the riffs start roaring and singer Verity Susman screams, "I'm tearing down the walls without you." Live, Electrelane cranks the volume considerably, conjuring images of the late, lamented Elastica with its fuzzy garage-rock guitars, crashing punk drumbeats and intense attitude.