The High Strung: Ode to the Inverse of the Dude

Label: Park the Van

This trio of Michiganers took shape right here in Williamsburg, but when you tour like they do, home is a malleable concept. Two interesting things that every article about The High Strung must include: They left their old van at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (with a long note and 300,000-plus miles on the odometer), and they’re fond of touring the nation’s libraries. The latter makes a bit of sense, given frontman Josh Malerman’s literary and searching lyrics. But this is no Decemberists-style “we’re so smart it hurts” band; on Ode to the Inverse of the Dude, the High Strung reaffirm their status as one of the country’s premier power-pop outfits, all scruffy chords and winning harmonies. The title refers not to girl-worship (at least not directly), but rather Malerman’s exploration of what lies deep within himself and all the guys who are using up roughly half of the oxygen (but somehow, still, are making roughly 75% of the indie-whatever music/art/stuff). These 11 mostly sub-three-minute gems of melody make great vehicles for his bro-xamination. (M.L. Thrope)