Zeroes QC

While trying to form their identity on their Secretly Canadian debut, Suuns get a little lost among their influences. "Marauder" emulates Deerhoof successfully, "Sweet Nothing" is a dedication to Beck that sounds a lot like the man himself (circa The Information), and "Up Past the Nursery" is a dead ringer for a Clinic song complete with Ben Shemie singing through clenched jaw to get that surgical mask effect. Their full-length even ends with a cover (of Tyrannosaurus Rex, which to be fair, is pretty good). Even if the newly formed Canadian quartet is still searching for its individuality, when Suuns' strengths come together -- as they often do on Zeroes QC -- the mix of sparse beats, razor-wire guitar, and downer melodies can be compelling. The minor-key-inflected "PVC" and "Gaze" are among their most gleaming and rocking songs. Notably, the group thrives in a sparse environment, and the simple, open-aired electric guitar and vocal wash of "Fear" is surprisingly lovely. ~ Jason Lymangrover