FREE ENERGY

Love Sign

[Free Energy Records]

These Philadelphia rockers started strong on their 2010 debut, a ridiculously catchy collection of power-pop riffs, handclaps and harmony vocals. They’ve only gotten better on the follow-up, a joyous set of songs about dancing all night and making out. It sounds simplistic, but there’s greater nuance on Love Sign. With help from producer John Agnello, the band toys with slower jams and makes room for shiny cascades of synthesizers. Opener “Electric Fever” sets the tone with crackling noise that resolves into a fist-pumping riff and “whoa-oh” vocals over harmony guitars and a spare, lively beat. Handclaps reverberate through a surge of guitars and synths on “Girls Want Rock,” cowbell helps propel “Backscratcher,” and “Dance All Night” is the perfect couples-skate jam. Love Sign is the rare second album that improves on what was great about the first one. It’s not fancy—just a fun collection that embodies the beating heart of rock ’n’ roll. –Eric R. Danton