Kaiser Cartel - Secret Transit

Not many indie-cred performers can talk about their love of "catchy pop songs" or declare that their goal is "to try to reach every person intimately through our music" without the slightest hint of irony. But it's just that disarming sincerity and refreshing directness of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel that makes their impeccable smart-pop songs such an unmitigated treat. New sophomore album Secret Transit (June 15, Daniel) is a slightly more polished and experimental extension of the duo's 2008 debut March Forth but it is still Kaiser Cartel's infectious, sharply defined melodies and classic harmonies that give the new project it's rambunctious kick.

Funded through fan support and produced by Aqualung's Matt Hales and brother Ben Hales, Secret Transit was recorded at night in a London Victorian-era church, a setting that helps lend a sometimes spooky and ethereal atmosphere particularly to the quieter, more introspective tracks. With Kaiser's lovely vocals as a centerpiece, the positively haunting, lushly orchestrated "Brave Enough" and "Already Gone" serve as a dark/light juxtaposition to the album's more upbeat numbers such as the Everly Brothers-go-new-wave punky energy of "Carroll Street Station" and lead track "Ready to Go." There's not a wasted note or pretentious slant in the fourteen briskly succinct tracks that make up Secret Transit, just one totally winning, subtly persuasive song after another. Highly recommended. Stream the full album at Reverbnation.

Myspace   Artist Site

Kaiser Cartel - "Brave Enough" (from the album Secret Transit)

Kaiser Cartel - "Carroll Street Station" (from the album Secret Transit)