Junior Boys: It's All True

Label: Domino

Canadian duo Junior Boys return strong on their fourth album, It's All True, which sets itself apart and above the pack of like-minded electronicians by splitting the difference between playfully upbeat and sophisticatedly sober. It's this second trait that characterizes what's best about the album; after the kinetic, rubbery and tensile opener, "Itchy Fingers," comes a cool blast, the expansive yet restrained "Playtime," a slow jam that waves you closer only to turn its back, eyes cast down and away. In other words (attention DJs), it's a subtle-for-summer jam that'll sneak up on everyone and have them asking, "Who is this?" If the two opening songs mark the album's emotional poles, the third lands neatly between them: "You'll Improve Me" pairs a crisp, irresistible beat with a cooler-than-cool vocal from original Junior Boy Jeremy Greenspan. And that still leaves six more tracks! From the funky "A Truly Happy Ending" and "Second Chance" to the bubbly techno-pop of "Kick the Can," there's a little of everything for the modern fan of beats and grooves.