Any elder millennial could hum the chorus of monster alt rock ballad “Torete”, showing just how influential and important Moonstar88 were to the 2000s. Despite many lineup changes since their 1999 debut, the current members are still working their ineffable jangle of pop rock through the sweetness of lilting female vocals—now crooned by Maysh Baay—resisting the easy listening tag with a legit rock pedigree. 2012’s This Year finds the band uncompromisingly persuasive with airy chordal work and pop songcraft, conjuring up the spirit of grungy anthems, minus the crippling angst.