The 3Ds -- The Venus Trail

The 3Ds have this Sonic Youth-thing going on, and that's generally a good thing on The Venus Trail, the band's second full-length. The group (composed entirely I think, of people whose names start with a "D") has a good ear for melody, but they often bury it amidst the noise of screeches and feedback. The album's got some strong guitar hooks and the band keeps the intensity up.

Highlights: Any track Denise Roughan sings on. The closing track "Spooky" is an unsettling acoustic number with great lo-fi production and good harmonies.