Band: Au Revoir Simone
Label: Moshi Moshi Records
Release: May 2009

1. “Another Likely Story” – 8.3
2. “Shadows” – 7.2
3.  “All Or Nothing” – 8.9
4. “Knight of Wands” – 8.9
5. “The Last One” – 7.5
6. “Trace A Line” – 9.3
7. “Only You Can Make You Happy” – 8.7
8. “Take Me As I Am” – 8.3
9. “Anywhere You Looked” – 9.5
10. “Organized Scenery” – 8.9
11. “We Are Here” – 8.0
12. “Tell Me” – 9.0

Comments: One has to expect a band with the name Au Revoir Simone to be artsy and have at least two girl members. Right? When it comes down to it, this is the kind of obscure pop act that’s sure to be considered rather household in that genre, comparable to toned down electro-pop outfits like the German  quartet Lali Puna. Whereas bands like Handsome Furs, Editors, and most recently Clap Your Hands Say Yeah offshoot Uninhabitable Mansions (of which ARS’s Annie Hart is a member) have embraced elements of this genre in putting together instantly catchy tunes, Au Revoir Simone requires some patience on the part of the listener. The best songs that ARS has on this album are infectiously dreamy and fast paced. I’d be lying, though,  if I said that there is a lot of lasting appeal to these numbers. They are great if you want a quick mix of quirky electronics and attractive female vocals.

Grade: 8.5