Aberdeen

The indie pop excellence of Aberdeen continues on Florida, the band's follow-up to 2003's The Boy Has Gone Away. Produced by John Aberdeen and Ian Catt (Saint Etienne, Trembling Blue Stars, the Field Mice) this three-song CD-single is a moody affair. The glint of warmth that made Aberdeen's previous releases such treasures is now an overcast backdrop of lush instrumentation. Florida is very sullen in both tempo and mood while dreamy college rock influences (think the Ocean Blue, the Pastels, 24 Gone) echo throughout. From the misted lament of the title track to the stylish New Order-esque "Late Bloomer," Aberdeen strays just enough away from their honeyed pop past for a uniform, modern sound. "Kyoto Death Song" is one of their finest moments since "Cities & Buses." Beth and John play in other bands, too. New Aberdeen tunes are few and far between, so please admire the rich melodies and mooning textures that make Florida a polished ruby. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide