Grouplove - Big Mess (Vinyl)

On their buoyant, third full-length album, 2016's Big Mess, Los Angeles' Grouplove continue their transformation from a kinetic, hippie-dance pop outfit into a mature, if still playful, radio-ready act. The album follows the group's equally inspired 2013 effort Spreading Rumors, and showcases the talents of lead vocalist/guitarist Christian Zucconi, lead vocalist/keyboardist Hannah Hooper, drummer Ryan Rabin, guitarist Andrew Wessen, and bassist Daniel Gleason, who replaced Sean Gadd in 2014. Once again, Rabin (son of Yes' Trevor Rabin) takes the production helm. However, in the spirit of transformation, the group also brought on seasoned pro Phil Ek (Band of Horses, the Shins, Built to Spill), who produced a handful of tracks. The result is that while Big Mess retains all of the band's exuberant, over-the-top pop fun, it's a finely honed insanity that balances the indie sensibilities of MGMT with the kooky pop lyricism of Barenaked Ladies. Also adding to the album's emotional impact i