The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart are a certified pop phenomenon. They've taken the indie world by storm with their infectious brand of noisy indie-pop, releasing a string of eagerly awaited singles that culminated in February 2009 with the release of their smashing self-titled debut album. Taken from that album, Young Adult Friction is a saucy tale of teenage lust in the library that bops along to an updated 80s groove that marries the classic strum of The Pastels with a bit of late Smiths polish. Long a favorite at their live shows, Young Adult Friction is a centerpiece of the album and a perfect 7" a-side if ever we'e heard one. On the flip, Ramona slows the pace for a slice of shoegazey dreaminess that could sit comfortably next to Black Tambourine or My Bloody Valentine on any quality mixtape. It's further proof that The Pains of Being Pure At Heart are one of the most crucial pop bands around right now, breathing fresh life into the moribund indie-pop landscape a adding a splash of much-needed color to the indie scene.