Eulogies

Creating power-pop-influenced indie rock these days usually lands most bands in the deep end of a very crowded pool, with very little space to tread water — much less swim to the sure footing of the shallow end. But Eulogies' second full-length album on Dangerbird Records, Here, Anonymous, creates an identity for the California quartet other than "that other band on Silversun Pickups' record label." Instrumentally, these songs employ minimalist arrangements, a propulsive rhythm section and subtle dynamic shifts that create momentum and a sense of urgency, while Peter Walker's poignant lyrics address post-adolescent regret, fear of loneliness and things often left unsaid in a relationship. "Bad Connection" commences with a singular guitar riff, a light bass-guitar pulse and slow-building melody until layers of percussion and ambient lead guitars build tension that suddenly drops at the chorus, providing room for the hook to take center stage. It's this kind of tasteful use of space, along with smart sequencing, that makes Anonymous stand alone as a complete album.