CD Reviews

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THE DIRTBOMBS & r & & r & We Have You Surrounded & r & & r & 3 STARS & r & & r & & lt;span class= & quot;dropcap & quot; & T & lt;/span & he best thing about these Detroit natives is their passionate exploitation of straightforward rock mixed with generous helpings of soul, funk and the glories of art rock. While their latest release leans heavily on these same influences, the result sounds more refined, less garage-y and far riskier than previous efforts. The important characteristics remain: Mick Collins, two drummers, two bassists. A formula for success, no matter the track list.

"Ever Lovin' Man" and "I Hear Sirens" hark back clearly to earlier days and offer aural signposts to those lost by the wandering "Sherlock Holmes" or the subtle, layered closer, "La Fin du Monde." (Collins singing in French? Gorgeous.) The most ambitious song, even if it is not quite successful, is "Race to the Bottom," featuring eight minutes of noise, computer-generated effects and feedback: no vocals, just scream-moans, and the deft hand of these magical noise makers.

-- CAREY MURPHY

DOWNLOAD: "La Fin du Monde"

THROW ME THE STATUE

Moonbeams

3 STARS

& lt;span class= & quot;dropcap & quot; & T & lt;/span & hrow Me the Statue is a Seattle fivesome that mixes sounds resembling Of Montreal's electronics, Ukulele's organic sounds and Jeff Mangum's acoustic guitar. It's a hard sound to pin down, and its influences are widespread. One thing is for sure: Throw Me the Statue blends an upbeat spirit of fun with a sense of serious musicianship.

Originally released on Baskerville Hill Records last December, Moonbeams is a buoyant indie pop album that maintains its balance. Instead of falling over to the opposing sides of cop-out folk or self-righteous experimentalism, front man Scott Reitherman treads the line beautifully. Amid the various noise makers, static fuzz and honest guitar, the music of Throw Me the Statue features a lot of homeyness. Without being fluff, it personifies summer.

-- RACHEL SIEMENS

DOWNLOAD: "Lolita"