Louisville, KY gained notoriety for its Slint-inspired post punk skwonk, but this river city's natives Ultratone could not be further from the obtuse rhythms and disjointed melodies of that scene. A bit lonely, yet a bit hopeful, Ultratone displays all the complexities and depth that pop music can, all wrapped up in easy to digest melodic groove. As welcoming as an old friend and as comforting as a lover, Pass It Along is a great record to start the day and one record you can take home to meet the parents.

Brad Filicky