A collaboration that spans all the way from Portland, Oregon to Wilmington, North Carolina, there's some impressive talent on hand with the De La Noche's debut, including Ivan Howard (the Rosebuds, Gayngs) as well as contributions from Matt Douglas (Mountain Goats). The entire album was penned by Robert Rogan and Brian Weeks (also a Rosebud).

An 11 track record with one word titles for each tune, “Avenues” starts the listen with ambient synth sounds and spirited saxophones from Douglas as the chilling pop tune unfolds with mystery and subtle post-punk nods. “Dreams” follows with an ominous, electro-pop tune that seems ideal for late night club fun, and “Blue” continues the affair with minor jazz influences in the beat driven setting where funky rhythm and grooves are never in short supply.

The middle of the LP offers the key-friendly and highly creative “Run” as well as the longest track, “Lush,” where the experimental prowess pays off in the prog, darkwave, and indie pop hybrid. The best tune present resides here, too, as “Stars” recruits a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere that bursts into energetic and upbeat pop melodica that's difficult to forget.

Near the end, the trio channel their inner New Order with the post-punk prodding of “Glimmer,” while the bare “Lover” illustrates much restraint in the sparse yet powerful tune. “Champagne” closes out the engaging record with a blurry version of R&B that contains a wealth of skill and ingenuity in the glowing exit.

Interestingly enough, Howard was the last player to come on board here, as Weeks and Rogan had already finished the songs and Douglas had added his sax parts. After much insistence that Howard sing a track on the record, he finally gave in and took on much more than a single track, and we're all better off for it. De La Noche has officially thrown their hat in the ring as one of the best new indie pop outfits.

Rating: B+

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