Contemporary power pop bands usually fall into one of two categories; they either sound painstakingly retro or ultra modern. This 2010 full-length from Locksley is perfectly situated in the middle. Be In Love exhibits a quartet proudly wearing influences on their collective sleeves (the Beatles, the Kinks, the Hollies and other top shelf bands of the ‘60s British invasion as well as American punk pioneers), while challenging themselves to take on songs that resonate with relevant resonance. The infectious “Darling, It’s True” swaggers and swings with a sharp confidence not heard since the Strokes 2001 smash Is This It, while “Love You Too” exudes a sweaty and lurid sultriness that cleverly leans on finer moments from New York Dolls’ 1973 debut. “Days of Youth” is anchored to a pedaling post-punk guitar that sounds borrowed from Interpol, but Jesse Laz’s boyish vocals and a jaunty rhythm section keep the song from sounding recycled. The cleverly contagious “Down for Too Long” is easily the coolest cut here with its well mapped arrangements, flawless vocal harmonies, flirty singing perfectly performed.