Versus

Indie Rock lynchpins Versus began modestly with Let's Electrify!, a visceral assault of angular guitars and timeless pop hooks. Their TeenBeat debut The Stars Are Insane upped the ante, pairing an enthusiasm for blistering, sonic guitar textures with a patient, meticulous songcraft. Subsequent albums have offered even fuller-sounding productions as lush and ornate as their predecessors were sparing and direct. The live experience has always silenced the critics; Richard Baluyut's beautifully crafted, melodic yet dissonant guitars, Fontaine Toups' bass, and Patrick Ramos' drumming comprise a remarkably beautiful, yet effectively sonic assault. Those in search of perfect, guitar-driven Noise Pop need look no further than anthems such as "Underground" and "Atomic Kid."