Free Energy: Stuck On Nothing

The throwback cover of Free Energy’s debut Stuck On Nothing makes it clear: The record is supposed to fit neatly with the best rock albums of 30 years ago—and it does. Take a listen to the stomping, freewheeling party-rocker “Bang Pop,” with its textbook hooks and soaring chant, and try not to imagine it blasting out the speakers of some mulleted teenager’s 1976 Pontiac Trans Am ala Dazed And Confused. Produced by James Murphy (of LCD Soundsystem) for his DFA label, Stuck On Nothing shares none of his irony: With ambitious, thick grooves and a thoroughly easygoing, feel-good attitude, there’s nothing disingenuous or contrived about the Philadelphia band’s sound.