The Soft Pack

L.A. foursome The Soft Pack used to be known as The Muslims until good taste—and likely a nervous record executive—intervened. It’s just as well, because it would be shame if a politically incorrect moniker got in the way of people appreciating the band’s excellent update of melodic, Modern Lovers/Dream Syndicate dark guitar pop on this year’s The Soft Pack. It’s not a forward-thinking, deconstructionist game-changer, but The Soft Pack is deeply enjoyable in a way a lot of indie rock simply hasn’t been lately. (Plus, you can dance to it.) The band’s simple, surf-inflected songs ought to blow a cool, refreshing breeze through even the sweatiest rock club, taking much of the hot air of late along with it.

Updated 07/28/2010