Sunbathe

Lulling, pretty atmospheric pop with bigger, bolder guitar flashes that come out of nowhere is this wonderful new band's forte. It's the sort of style too often associated with the English, as noted U.S. indies like Slumberland continue to demonstrate that ownership is, in fact, worldwide. Less noisy and abrasive than fellow Wash. D.C.'ers Velocity Girl (for whom the Ropers supported at a 9:30 Club D.C. gig), they nevertheless share the better-pop melodic aesthetic of VG at their best. Though like a lot of U.S. indie bands (such as Velocity Girl), they could stand higher quality production (let's hope someone with some spare cash inks them), there's no concealing bass/guitar/drums heaviness supporting the lightly catchy tunes, especially on "Waiting," which could have been on Scotland's Fast Product back when that was a hot guitar pop label -- yes, these guys have all the long-missed goods of someone like the (early) Scars. It's album time; this band belongs. ~ Jack Rabid