Helter Seltzer

Perhaps known as much for their self-deprecating snark as their songs, Keith Murray and Chris Cain come of age in a big way on this evergreen, appropriately effervescent fifth record. Not that the maturation on Helter Seltzer translates to super-seriousness. Brimming with FM-inflected riff workouts (“Classic Love”, “In My Head”), harmony-laden prog showstoppers (“Waiting For You”) and propulsive earworms (“Buckle”), there’s an infectious glee to its plentiful high points. And the majestic purring guitars on “Headlights” are the sound of a band still able to innovate, a decade after their debut.