Remy Zero -

To those who know exquisitely written, moody pop when they hear it, Remy Zero is a familiar name. Their first two albums had critics searching for new ways to arrange their favourite superlatives, with many writers placing them in the rarefied artistic space occupied by U2, REM and Radiohead. Along the way, the band was handpicked by Radiohead to open shows on the latter's OK Computer tour; they toured with Travis and Semisonic; and they packed crowds into their own shows at LA's famed Viper Room. Remy Zero's Elektra debut, The Golden Hum, ranges from dense, trippy rockers to intricately textured ballads, with unexpected twists, soaring choruses and a mysterious, sensual quality that rewards repeated listening. If today's disposable pop music has an opposite, this is it.