De Novo Dahl

De Novo Dahl spent the entirety of their first album working very hard to be the zaniest, quirkiest, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink-iest indie pop band you've ever heard. The result was charming, if a little, well, gimmicky. This time around, the quintet tones down the whimsy a wee bit and turns up the good old classic pop. Sometimes the band's newly streamlined sound makes you miss the busyness of their debut: "Marketplace" is a stab at cinematic luster that is alternately gorgeous and a little dull. Elsewhere ("Shout," "Shakedown"), DND will have you wrapped around their little fingers.