Imperial Teen

***The fifth album by IMPERIAL TEEN, Feel the Sound, succeeds completely at its goal, plainly stated in the collection’s title. From the exhilarating, propulsive “Runaway,” which features the entire band on lead vocals (how many other groups can make that claim?), to the expansive final statement of “Overtaken,” RODDY BOTTUM, LYNN PERKO TRUELL, WILL SCHWARTZ and JONE STEBBINS feel the sound themselves and, in turn, make the listener feel it in ways immediate, pleasurable, and haunting. ELO-like symphonic pop has become a touchstone for everyone from Justice to Cut Copy in recent years, but Feel the Sound makes it manifest through live instrumentation that possesses a Krautrock level of intuitive synchronicity and a desert island jukebox’s sense of fun. So many bands lose momentum and focus over time, but a little past its sweet sixteenth year of existence, Imperial Teen somehow grows both younger and wiser, connecting four characters through creative friendship and deep trust, and forging a communal power that continues to grow stronger. Feel the sound of a one-of-a-kind group that’s never sounded more like itself. (STREET DATE - 1/31/2012)