SICK FRIEND

Since the emergence of the White Stripes and the Black Keys, the indie world has been deluged with guitar-and-drum duos. Sick Friend would seem to offer more of the same, but on their debut these thoughtful Canadians drop bittersweet synth lines and straitlaced rhythms. Singer and guitarist Michael O’Brien has a soul-baring falsetto informed by the Dears and Of Montreal, but on the excellent title cut he moves beyond such influences and sings himself breathless, unfurling lines like a rapper. “Why would I wake up now, when you’re finally letting me win?” he asks on “Sleep Late.” More than just another expression of 20-something guitar-dude malaise, this electro-tinged tune is a sweet dream set to music.