The Soft Pack’s sophomore album arrives with an energy that refuses to let it befall the second album curse of mediocrity. With up-beat, beach rock guitar rhythms and wonky effects, “Strapped” begins with enthusiasm. The addition of Matt Lamkin’s clearly discernible vocals among ambient horns and guitar play well into the record’s chilled-out vibe. Most songs run between two and three minutes long with quick-paced tempos, but the band fights off redundancy with fun, catchy riffs and vibrantly piercing keyboard melodies. It doesn’t seem the group wants to fall into the generic indie-pop pit with memorable songs like “Bobby Brown,” throwing in guitar and even saxophone solos. This well-produced indie work demonstrates some of the better characteristics of the genre.

Grade: A-