The Owls' debut is a charming, easy-going indie pop record that will have you reaching for comparisons to such indie pop greats as
Heavenly,
Small Factory and
Belle & Sebastian. If that sounds like your cup of cocoa,
Our Hopes and Dreams can settle in nice and cozily next to your
Camera Obscura and
Walker Kong. The record is filled with gems like the cute as a button "Air," the ultra-catchy "Do Ya?" the downcast and dreamy "Luck," and the small-scale epic "Drop Me a Line." Songs that are heartfelt and emotional but with the emotion tucked firmly inside long sleeves. The album is mostly pretty simple but imaginative, clean guitars, quiet drums, the occasional piano, Allison LaBonne and Maria May's breathy, melancholy, and always sweet vocals. The one high point is Brian Tighe's "Forever Changing," which features a lush synthesizer string backing and pianos straight out of Brit Psych 1968. This is an unassuming record that will be instantly familiar and as snug as a favorite old sweater. Seek it out. ~ Tim Sendra