PETER BJORN & JOHN

Gimme Some

[Startime]

Writer’s Block wasn’t Peter Bjorn & John’s first record—in fact, the group’s 2006 U.S. breakthrough was the Swedish trio’s third release. Even so, 2009’s unfocused Living Thing, felt like a victim of the sophomore slump. They’ve shrugged it off on their latest with 11 catchy pop tunes that are punchier than a boxing gym on fight night. Guitars bob and weave on “Dig a Little Deeper,” sting on “Black Book” and take terse jabs at the face on “Breaker Breaker,” where singer Peter Morén promises to “break your nose and sing about it.” Along with jaunty hooks, the trio has a fondness for strong beats, and every song on the album (including slow jam “Down Like Me”) comes propelled by a big, bold rhythm track. Strong hooks and fast, nimble rhythms make for a winning combination. Maybe not a knockout, but Gimme Some is a solid victory. –Eric R. Danton