Although New Jersey’s Big Troubles point to bands like Lilys, Swirlies and even pre-Loveless MBV as influences, one could make the case for them being the love child of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. "Freudian Slips" has the bouncy happy hooks, head bobbing good vibe with just the right deviation into Reid Brothers sugary "Just Like Honey" smooth vocal textures. "Drastic and Difficult" amps up the sonics, as it all gets bigger and a bit noisier with more upfront and urgent vocals. The band’s dissonance kisses the edges of Sonic Youth’s abrasiveness, without completely teetering over the edge. "Bite Yr Tongue" drives home the truism that a great hooky guitar lick as the centerpiece of your song is always a win. It careens forward with Pains-like glee until the over-reverberated vocals and MBV style guitar fuzz makes sure there is no confusion with anything twee. "Modern Intimacy" is twisted surf pop that has Annette Funicello dancing with a Zombie, while "Former Selves" is the slow and lush sound providing the blueprint for the current wave of "new gaze" bands. Big Troubles will play as part of the upcoming CMJ showcase at Bruar Falls on October 19. – Dave Cromwell