Grouplove

Formed on the isle of Crete in Greece, Grouplove has a sort of Pixies-meets-Violent Femmes vibe that works in its favor. Just like those two collectives of ’80s eccentrics, Grouplove churns out tunes that are equal parts poppy and strange. “Don’t Say Oh Well,” off Grouplove’s 2010 EP, is all about the band’s success, a well-trodden subject for musicians. It takes a nice turn midway through, though, when the lead singer actually addresses the band members and thanks them for the collective’s good fortune. It’s quirky, but charming. On 2011’s Never Trust A Happy Song, the gigantic “Colours” from that EP carries over to join an equally jubilant cast of songs like “Itchin’ On A Photograph” and “Tongue Tied.”

Updated 05/09/2012