It’s hard not to come away from Energy Bar without some questions: what were all those tempo changes about? Was this music made in 2011 or 1984? Has it come from a befuddled artistic state or a charming, peculiar style? The questions are never answered—you have to accept this weirdo-indie-rock for what it is. That’s not quite as easy as it should be. Unlike, say, They Might Be Giants, Heaven For Real stay equidistant between a classical indie palette and their own quirks. A step in either direction would strengthen the overall finish on the record. As it is, Energy Bar is a little unbuttered, but balmy and pleasant.
20/30
A favourite: ‘Further The Thrill’
‘Energy Bar’ is out now via Mint Records.
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