Have you ever been introduced to an album unexpectedly? Everyone but me seems to have had one of those magical experiences where a great record just drops into their lap; perhaps it was introduced to them by a well-meaning record store clerk, or they went on a vacation and found the CD magically left in their rental car. I’ve always just wanted a moment where I felt like a record was meant for me and only for me. And while I can’t claim I magically discovered A Thousand Times Yes’ Heart Beats, it is an album that anyone would be lucky to find in a bout of serendipity.

Heart Beats is a recording of the sparkling swirl of being young and living in an old city. Emotions are explored and polished by the extraordinarily efficient A Thousand Times Yes into a glowing intensity that rivals the Ambassador Bridge at night. But don’t let the glitter of this band fool you either: these kids can still rock. Audra “Sparx” Marks’ bass swings and whips the band into a fury on tracks such as the way-too-much-fun-for-its-topic “Sibling Rivalry, Sibling Love,” and even when that driving bass isn’t present, drummer Greg “Lull Tucker” Evangelista keeps it coming while still being one of those rare drummers who knows how to utilize every piece of his kit. And don’t forget lead guitarist, Joe “Casper Von Hoffman” Hoffman, whose guitar brings it all together. There’s something unspeakably strange about how in tune this band is with one another; the tones of the instruments and voices fit so well together that it becomes odd to think that this isn’t some strange group of Siamese triplets connected at the end. And if you didn’t want to read all that semi-poetic music writing, then here you go in six words: shit son, this band is tight.

There are some problems with Heart Beats, however. Occasionally the lyrics come across as too simplistic and “chant-y.” A prime example is “Love Song for Me.” While the song is almost unbearably sweet and clouded in loneliness, that sweetness comes mostly from the music and the way it sounds. Any sparks to be found in the words are thanks to the vocal stylings of Marks, not the lyrics themselves; there’s enough there to be catchy, yet not enough to merit how well-crafted the rest of the song is. Also, “Sailor’s Revenge” feels a bit incongruous with the rest of the record. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good shipwreck as much as the next girl, but it’s just strange to find this track nestled among all of the other self-reflective songs. It fits mildly with the tone of the album, and it’s an interesting track, but it seems better served as the B-side of a single.

A Thousand Times Yes are not currently on a label, but they deserve to be. With songwriting such as “My Sympathies” and “Magic Pill” – along with the versatility to go from the wild breakdown with spazz-rock overtones of “Sibling Rivalry” to the pedal steel whispers of “Sailor’s Revenge” – this band deserves to be noticed.

Note: This CD is not available on Amazon.com. You may buy it or preview MP3 tracks directly from the band at their website.

Reviewed by Megan Giddings