CD reviews: Highly Suspect

Having arrived on a wave of attention last year courtesy of bombastic singles Lydia and Bloodfeather and a debut album, Mister Asylum, that led to two Grammy nominations, this former covers band from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, continues its mix of post-grunge and garage rock guitar angst on sophomore album The Boy Who Died Wolf.

Despite occasionally being compromised by cliched compositions,  there are more than a few moments of dazzling, punkish sonic squawl  here, evidence of the ability of producer Joel Hamilton (Iggy Pop, Sparklehorse, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits) to tap into the raw heart of songs.

• Highly Suspect. The Boy Who Died Wolf. 300 Entertainment. 

• Three and a half stars (out of five)

Single download: Little One
For those who like: The Strokes, Sebadoh

— Shane Gilchrist