Tapes ´n Tapes

Rare is the indie rock band that inserts a bona fide mosh part into the middle of one of its songs. Rarer still is the band that can pull it off. Minneapolis four-piece Tapes 'n Tapes not only pulls it off (in an epic show-closing number called "Jakov's Suite") but also employs several other tricks (in the same song) that demonstrate the band's versatility and command. The fact that the band is understated in all these respects — indeed, in almost everything it does — only adds to the power in its sound. For starters, Tapes 'n Tapes make no concerted accommodation to metal or even heavy-leaning indie rock. Instead, you'll immediately hear how guitarist/singer Josh Grier's brittle guitar and high-pitched vocal melodies fall squarely within the parameters you'd expect for a band that draws comparisons to Pavement and the Pixies. Fair enough, but Tapes 'n Tapes' hidden attributes — and there are many — ensure their shot at following those iconic bands straight to the pastures of universal alt-rock appeal. Meanwhile, drummer and secret weapon Jeremy Hanson's confidence on the kit anchors and drives the group as it swerves gracefully between tempos. Tapes 'n Tapes may have the slouching "slacker" stage demeanor down pat, but they kick up a righteous squall.