Cool Hunting

Three years after the debut of Highly Evolved, a 2004 release that barely registered, and frontman Craig Nicholls' diagnosis wth Aspergers, the Vines have a new album that came out this month called Vision Valley. Haters can say what they like, sometimes good old pop-infused rock that does little more than validate the originality of their influences just feels good. Vision Valley is full of the grunge-heavy chord progressions and slightly strained vocals—that satisfying mix of blues-based guitar and artsy angst—that got them the Nirvana comparisons in the first place. Just when the resemblance to Cobain sounds almost creepy, Nicholls changes it up with Oasis née Beatles-style harmonies and ballads like the title track "Vision Valley" and "Going Gone," which recall their 2002 Supergrass-esque "Country Yard." Whether referencing themselves or seminal musicians, The Vines do one thing and do it well; they make seamless rock and roll for the post-everything generation.

Pick it up from iTunes.