Two Thousand
Some might say the title of French Kicks' third album,Two Thousand, is an unintentional reference to all the other New York bands that sound exactly like them. And, yes, while the group did at one point have a predisposition for scrappy punk guitars, off-kilter disco rhythms and strained vocals, this release actually sees it distinguishing itself from its neighbors with a more restrained sound and ambitious vision. There is a distinct '80s influence in songs like "Also Ran," "Cloche," and "No Mean Time," all shimmering guitars and motorized beats. On "Knee High," the band even manages to successfully evoke the sound of early U2 jamming with New Order--a claim few others in their area code can make.--Aidin Vaziri