Local Review: The Brobecks – Happiest Nuclear Winter

The Brobecks

Happiest Nuclear Winter

Self-Released

The Brobecks = Weezer + They Might be Giants + Flaming Lips + Alkaline Trio

This album isn’t over-cute, it’s just cute drawn out. Happiest Nuclear Winter struts clever through 12 tracks of electro-pop subtle-saccharine with bummed-out lyrics and occasional near-jazz piano ditties. Sad, socially conscious, mostly strange and always beguiling, this aptly-named disc is one of the better basement recordings I’ve ever heard.

As much as I refuse to endorse any ironic cheer/depression pop mergers, this album is goddamned good.