Celebration: Modern Tribe

Label: 4AD

Celebration’s second album is not only an absolute triumph, it’s also a marked improvement over their debut, which was a fine record in its own right. This Baltimore three-piece is (deservedly) known for its live act, but that will no longer be the case if they keep churning out great records like Modern Tribe. For such a small lineup that band manages a big sound, with layers of guitars, organs and horns giving the music a rich, soulful texture. The driving grooves of “Pony” and “Fly the Fly” are pure adrenaline (the latter smoldering with guitars), while the subtle sounds of “Heartbreak” and “Pressure” are the record’s real highlights, led by the remarkable Katrina Ford on vocals. She’s the band’s true star, a singer who can capture the imagination with sheer energy and passion, delivering each song with a bravura unique in pop music today. Stunning. With contributions from members of TV on the Radio, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Antibalas. (James)