The UK duo Thumpers consists of childhood mates Marcus Pepperell and John Hamson, Jr. The two friends have joined forces to create Galore, an album that is chock full of chunky rhythms and lush melodies. Lying somewhere between ’80s New Wave/synth pop (think Erasure or Pet Shop Boys) and modern day New Wave/synth pop (think bands like MGMT  or The Black Kids) their music is upbeat and full of energy.

The album offers up some really entertaining songs. On “Sound of Screams” a thumping rhythm is the jumping-off spot for the vast musical explosion that is to follow. Haunting melodies draw listeners into “Tame,” where an infusion of pop flavors keep the industrial beats from sabotaging one of the better tunes on the album. The closest thing to the ’80s synth pop era has to be “Unkinder (A Tougher Love)”. The music bounces all over the place with the vocals following making it very hard not to get hooked.

The best tune on the record has to be “Come On Strong.” Beginning with a deep warble similar to the sound a flat tire may make, the song merges into soft melodies and killer vocal harmonies.

Galore is an entertaining album to treat your ears to. Is it anything special? No, not really, but it is worth listening to. It sounds familiar and that is part of the charm. While some of the songs sound like they are trying to do too much and the layers of noise impede each other, it is not enough to condemn their work. The album attacks your auditory senses from every angle while also trying to be smooth and unobtrusive and it feels like they should pick one way and stick with it. Thumpers is quite a talented duo, and after listening to Galore it piques my interest to see how their music evolves.

(Sub Pop Records, 2013 Fourth Avenue, Third Floor, Seattle, WA 98121)