I'm not normally one for over enthusiasm, so when I first read about a seven-piece indie band known as Los Campesinos!, I have to admit, the exclamation point in their name made me a little wary. And then I listened to "My Year In Lists," one of the tracks on their joyful, exhilarating debut album, Hold on Now, Youngster..., and realized it might be time for me to lighten up and let a little glockenspiel into my life.

Born out of Cardiff University in Wales (they toured during "reading weeks"), this septet plays energetic hook-laden punk music that is catchy as hell, with clever geek chic lyrics that reference everything from Jane Eyre to extended metaphors and ridiculous song titles like "This Is How You Spell 'HAHAHA We Destroyed the Hopes and the Dreams of a Generation of Faux Romantic.'" Their debut is a fun listen that will leave you feeling winded—but in a good way, like the sugar rush from chugging a cold can of soda on a hot summer day.

"There must be something quite refreshing to people about seeing 20-year-olds doing something that hadn't been forced at them through the popular music press or radio or TV channels," muses Gareth Campesinos! (like the Ramones, band members share a surname). Chant along with this unique act yourself when the band plays Bimbo's 365 Club with Parenthetical Girls (perhaps their grammar-loving soul mates?) this Friday night!

Bimbo's 365 Club is located at 1025 Columbus Avenue; grab your advance tickets here.

- Caroline Stanley

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