In the mainstream wake of
the Postal Service's success, plenty of indie rockers are setting down their guitars and picking up synthesizers (ironic since so many electronic artists have slung axes as of late).
Headphones might seem like
Postal Service redux, featuring
Pedro the Lion guitarist
David Bazan and drummer
Tim Walsh. But where both acts employ the formula of emo-tinged vocals and basic bleeping melodies, the similarities end when
Bazan sings about the darker reaches of his psyche. Song titles like "Shit Talker," "I Never Wanted You," and "Natural Disaster" speak volumes of this album's intent. "Hello Operator" employs a sonar signal as its main hook, while "Major Cities" is a solo keyboard number that stays on the black ivories until
Bazan finally moans in during the final minute. So no, there's not an indie hit to be found on
Headphones, although the maraca shake of "Natural Disaster" does liven things up despite the chorus "You would wait on the rapture, natural disaster/To come around." Not exactly the tone the kids of The O.C. are waiting to hear. So forget the easy
Gibbard/Tamborello comparisons and look here if you seek more mope with your Moog. ~ Joshua Glazer