Grey Eyes

It's a typical indie rock story: band starts label to release its own records, label starts releasing records by others, band gets distracted by the reality of running its own business and before you know it, years have gone by. Salteens founded Vancouver's Boompa Records in 2003, but up until this year's EP Moths, they had remained relatively silent (there was, of course, the group's appearance on Yo Gabba Gabba to tide us over, but that was aimed squarely at the toddler set rather than those who'd grown up with Salteens on their mixtapes and college radios). A lot happens in seven years, and change comes in waves. Salteens' indie-pop heart is still in place but this time around, Walker has put down his guitar in favor of a conductor's baton, and is decked out in Fillipa K suits instead of ironic t-shirts. Built upon meticulous arrangements, the exuberant horns and harmonies confirm a new songwriting maturity; the music of Grey Eyes is truly the fulfillment of the Salteens' early promise. And, it's been worth the wait.