The Displaced

Album Review

The Displaced's sophomore outing is still rife with nods to the Pixies, and this is a bit disappointing. But while Simon Mandel and Jen Jansen's debut was certainly derivative, it was also marked by some strong songwriting. Nine Tracks picks up on that, turning in six sinewy songs stripped of fat and tense with hunger. It's earnest music. "30th and El Cajon" is a roaring, crashing beginning; with all the throaty growling, it can be difficult to discern who's even singing. That gusto carries over to EP standout "Little Hoolio," which pins the revved up Cali pop of the Displaced's adopted San Diego digs to their native Brooklyn's flinty veneer. Other highlights include "No Loss," where harmonies waver and twist into half-screams, and closer "Hand Grenade," which lets Jansen's emotional vocals cut right through its trebly two-dollar guitar kick.