It seems most bands today are too interested in keeping up with their scene. What I mean is that a lot of bands that adhere to a certain genre play relatively similarly, which fuels music’s constant evolution, pushing it into new (and sometimes awful) territories. Where New London Fire strays from their contemporaries is that they don’t bother with trying to create new tongue-twisting genres. Their approach is rooted firmly in the past, borrowing heavily from the heart and soul of rock n’ roll. The music is undeniably proud indie pop, but the reincarnation of ‘50s and ‘60s favorites keep it from becoming another rehash of a tired rehash.

The songs on Happiness Through Radios and Wires are an infectious hybrid of modern and vintage. “Lonely” is a direct quote from classic doo-wop. “Water Park,” a campy and harmonized story about a boy returning to the spot where he met his first love, plays like an updated Beach Boys song — though perhaps slightly more concerned about the polluted waters they’re surfing in. “Smile Annie” has the power-pop feel of the Kinks with ‘80s New Wave synthesizers. Nothing sounds out of place, even the modern indie cuts “Long Shot” and “Happiness.”

Regarding the album, front man Dave Debiak said, “When we went to do this record, I wanted to incorporate everything I loved about pop music as a kid.” With Happiness Through Radios and Wires, New London Fire hearken back to the golden days of radio instead of playing the “keeping up with the Joneses” game too many bands today are guilty of doing.

(self-released, no address provided)