Does You Inspire You

iTunes Review

Brooklyn’s Chairlift had nice boost on takeoff when the irresistible pop bauble “Bruises” appeared in an iPod commercial. Caroline Polachek’s trill (come on, sing along: “For you-ooh-ooh, you-oooh-ooh . . .”) filled living rooms across America; even the dog’s ears pricked up. Who was that? It turns out this rather experimental trio is more than a one-trick pony, and its debut album, Does You Inspire You, is full of lush and entrancing pop sounds that put a psychedelic spin on mixing otherworldly contemporaries like Bachelorette with old-world new wave pop overlords like Thompson Twins and Japan. The band's playful side dabbles in twang (“Earwig Town” is a delight) and French sassiness (“Le Flying Saucer Hat”). The serious side ruminates—with chic nightclub cool—on our eco failures (“Garbage”). Whether going for pure, catchy earworm pleasure (“Bruises,” “Perfect Utensil”), intergalactic chilling (“Territory,” “Ceiling Wax”), or cerebral gymnastics (“Dixie Gypsy”), Chairlift rises gracefully to deliver. This impressive debut is packed with many goodies.