This self-titled album is an interesting mix of eclectic indie sounds and adolescent poetry. The band “Please Quiet Ourselves” is from Berkeley, and all of the members are still in high school. They’re signed with Mushpot records, an independent label, and they’ve even done some of their recording in Davis.

Their music could be described as indie pop rock with a touch of emo. Their website at pleasequietourselves.com, claims they are dubbed as the California Bay Area’s “baby Modest Mouse,” because they have a similar sound to Modest Mouse’s “Build Nothing Out of Something” album from 2000.

Most of the songs on this album are kept pretty short and sweet throughout the entire CD. All 10 songs are only around 34 minutes of music, which might have some fans wanting more. The album as a whole is pretty impressive for a teenage garage band. Their voices could use a bit more training, but I overall I think their instrumental skills are on point.

One thing I thought was really unique on this album is that they’ve used a Xylophone in some of their songs, this adds a new, creative element, and the sound makes me reminisce of childhood, because of those mini Xylophone toys kids play with.

The third track “Antibodies” has some really nice bass riffs, they’re very catchy and quick. The majority of the album has a very sensitive and mellow vibe to it. The percussion is a nice addition to the classic rock band instruments like the guitar, bass and drums. I found that this album has a similar sound to bands such as Weezer, The Killers, and Cake.

If I were to download songs from this album onto my iPod today, I would probably take the song called “Sunburn,” which sounds like sentimental, soft spoken poetry and conveys the feelings of adolescence. Again, like most of the songs it is very short and sweet. The song “Say I Won’t” I would download as well, I think it’s a potential hit for them. This is the most memorable song on the album for me, I love the somewhat static voice, it’s not as iron pressed and clean cut as the other songs.

This song is a little bit edgier compared to the others, and I think this worked in their favor. Having a punkier song like this on the album, shows that they have some variety to their music. You can only hear so many soft, folky, indie songs, before getting bored.

In the song “I Don’t Care”, the instruments sound great, but I found that the vocals aren’t strong or fast enough to keep up with the quick and upbeat tempo. On this track, they need more intensity and strength in the vocals.

Dave Grohl’s voice from the Foo Fighters is a perfect example of what they could try to emulate in their faster songs. “Winter Breaking” and “Mystery girl” are some other songs worth checking out.

Kate Jones can be reached at [email protected]