Howler

America Give Up

Rough Trade

Howler plays fast, noisy, brash power pop that is equal parts early Jesus and Mary Chain guitar fuzz, and a lo-fi version of the Strokes. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Jordan Gatesmith’s rueful relationship songs, delivered with a sheepish smile, point a way forward for power pop, since the songs are also tight and compressed for maximum impact. It’s a great debut from this Minneapolis band that surely has a bright future in front of them. [www.facebook.com/howlerband]

Andrea Weiss