Backed by a few synths and a light guitar strum, Electric Owls‘ Andy Herod has pieced together a surreal soundscape for Ain’t Too Bright opener “Magic Show”. It’s an energetic tune that is true to the pop sensibilities Herod’s previous group, The Comas, never seemed to quite reach. Where The Comas pumped out one rock tune after another, Herod now seems more than comfortable writing pop songs that have a light rock edge, but don’t stray too far into his former stomping-ground.

For one, the songs are much more relaxed than pretty much anything by The Comas; many can even be considered ballads. With Herod’s signature vocal styling, backed occasionally by a female accompanist, it’s a winning match for an artist far from his prime. Ain’t Too Bright is the antithesis of its title, and pledges good things in store for the future.

Electric Owls: Magic Show [mp3]