fun.
“Aim and Ignite”
4 out of 5

Though Format broke up on the heels of their breakthrough record, “Dog Problems,” the spirit of the group seems to be alive and well.

Despite the band’s break, front man Nate Ruess’ aspirations of late ’60s revivalism are more alive then ever. Ruess’ new solo project, fun., is the logical extension of the loose ends left by his former band.

In “Aim and Ignite,” fun. embraces a “more is more” approach, caking on layers of guitar, strings, and horns to create a lush bed of sound — no holds barred, no vocal melody left untouched. Ruess is daring in power pop numbers such as “Benson Hedges” and “All the Pretty Girls,” while tracks like “I Wanna Be the One” often sound more like show tunes than indie — anything.

Key Tracks: “All the Pretty Girls,” “Benson Hedges”
-Chris Payne
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Simian Mobile Disco
“Temporary Pleasure”
2.5 out of 5

British producers/remixers James Ford and James Shaw decided to leave their experimental electronica group Simian when they realized what was lacking from their group — disco and mobility. Simian Mobile Disco was formed, releasing a critically acclaimed album in 2007, an awkward live album a year later, and finally, a proper sophomore release a few weeks ago.

The occasionally excessive dance beats in this record are reminiscent of awkward middle school dances in the gym, but underneath all of that synth there’s definitely some substance.

The indie guest spots on the album add the essential dance record flavor, with Yeasayers Chris Keating spitting lyrics about everything from James Joyce to pools full of Kool-Aid, and The Gossip’s Beth Ditto delivering one of the best performances on the record in “Cruel Intentions.”
Despite a handful of electronica instrumental tracks, SMD don’t limit themselves to disco and dance. “Turn Up the Dial” is testament to this, which features the group Young Fathers rapping over classic Simian beats.

Key Tracks: “Cruel Intentions,” “Turn Up the Dial”
-Melissa Virzi