There is just not enough good indie pop out there, but if you look hard enough, you can find bands making it. Case in point: the trio from Portland, Oregon known as Derby, who are back with their sophomore effort, Posters Fade, the follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed debut, This Is the New You. The hype is something you can take or leave, because ultimately the music-buying public is going to decide if they like it or not. With Posters Fade, Derby has delivered an album full of melodic, lushly (but not overly) produced songs that are just easy to listen to. Imagine a cross between Nada Surf and Collective Soul, maybe a bit more to the Nada Surf side, and that’s Derby. There is also a subtle Beatles influence, especially on the stunning best track, “If Ever There’s a Reason.” For the most part, Derby’s music will not grab you, shake you, and spin you around, but it will make a good soundtrack for watching someone get grabbed and shaken and spun around. (LABEL: Green Submarine)
