Times New Viking

A couple hours drive from Dayton, Ohio -- home to Robert Pollard -- is Columbus, Time New Viking's stomping ground. The proximity is significant: TNV take cues from Sir Robert, namely his love of perfect two-minute pop songs and lo-fi charm (though, production-wise, TNV make GBV sound like a noodley prog band). Rip It Off's first impression may leave you asking, Where's the bass?, with the near-excruciating tinniness of "Teen Drama" and "The Wait" abrasively rubbing up against contagious bubblegum melodies. But as the inner-ear tickles, you undoubtedly ask for another hit.