Bishop Allen

Bishop Allen songwriters Justin Rice and Christian Rudder's friendly and playful approach to pop cuts both ways: It makes the Brooklyn band's weightier moments (especially "Flight 180," a ballad from 2007's The Broken String) all the more rousing, but sometimes waters down their consistently well-plotted lyrics and pleasing melodies. Bishop Allen's good at making softness and substance work together, but sometimes the mix dulls the impact of Grrr..., this year's lighter, less densely orchestrated follow-up to The Broken String. Still, no one's expecting Bishop Allen to write Tool songs, and there's usually genuine popcraft under the band's slightly precious affect.

Updated 10/22/2009