In the case of Tokyo Police Club’s debut album, “Elephant Shell,” the best label is “rock.” The lean quartet eschews the funny stuff in favor of a sound which veers into the grimy from the clean within the span of a verse. Writers might lump them in with “indie” bands and compare their sound to kindred spirits such as The Strokes or The Kooks. Yet their sound is ahead of the bunch in terms of depth and texture.
Perhaps the band’s strongest element is its understanding of subtly and restraint. Minimalist drummer Greg Alsop and singer/bassist Dave Monks keep a tight rhythm section for guitarist Josh Hook and keyboardist Graham Wright to pass hooks over. Although Monks’ nasally whine and teenage-centric lyrics may initially turn listeners away, the band is best enjoyed as a complete package.
Tracks such as “Nursery Academy” and first single “Tessellate” barely cross the two minute mark, effectively bouncing over enough guitar mayhem to be the soundtrack for a good head bop. It’s always a good sign when a band’s preferred feature instrument is the tambourine, and the boys use such flourishes to constantly drive their songs.
What is refreshing about “Elephant Shell” is that it is a glimpse of a band which has significantly matured since their introduction to the scene. On their 2006 debut EP “A Lesson In Crime,” the group relies more on its raw energy, leaving little focus on song development. But while the newest release does not amp up the length of songs, it certainly cleans them up enough to be more memorable.
Standouts such as “In A Cave” and “Your English Is Good” fly as streamlined versions of the TPC that listeners have grown to adore. Chalk much of that up to slick production suggested by the Saddle Creek camp, the record label behind hip darlings such as Bright Eyes, The Faint and Cursive.
Though not technically a sophomore release, “Elephant Shell” will retain the group’s significant fanbase while attracting new ears. The enhanced audio of the first full length gives the band enough muscle to come out of the garage and into the mainstream without losing any of the thrills.