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Mar 11, 2013 Web Exclusive By John Everhart

Brooklyn’s Ex Cops differentiate themselves from legions of neo-shoegaze acts on their debut LP True Hallucinations, thanks in large part to one key strength—intuitively gorgeous harmonizing. Recalling The Vaselines at their finest, singer/guitarist Brian Harding and singer/keyboardist Amalie Bruun’s vocals bleed together effortlessly, adroitly complementing this superb take on early ‘90s dream pop.

“Spring Break (Birthday Song)” is a lithe, sing-songy number with Bruun and Harding swapping perspectives over a jaunty, Kinks-like rhythmic kick, while the torque-driven “Jazz & Information,” with its alto sax flourishes, sublimely approximates Spiritualized circa Pure Phase.

“The Millionaire” drifts down a proverbial rabbit hole, all glacial, slow-motion melodies akin to early Mercury Rev, guiding Harding as he languidly intones, “Some things never happen/Slow down your reaction.” Levity is found on “Billy Pressly,” a brisk respite of jangle pop that features Harding and Bruun frenetically crooning, “You just don’t have to worry about it/Go dry your eyes.”

It’s this dichotomy between pop as play and dark sobering moments that renders True Hallucinations a thoroughly beguiling listen. A charmed debut that exhibits just how deep the well of pop music runs when a band has a firm grasp of the fundamentals, which Ex Cops possess in spades. (www.excopsband.com)

Author rating: 8/10