The Crash: Pony Ride (Ryko)
release: August 2008 [U.S.]
style: sugary indie pop
similar: Tahiti 80, Black Kids, Keane
[rating: ***1/2] There are two sides to Finnish band the Crash. The friendly, disco indie pop side ("Pony Ride" and "Big Ass Love") and the more ambitious side ("Grace and "Thorn in My Side"). Both sides are soft enough for snuggling. While there's a slim chance the band's clean-cut smooth pop will break though to the general American audience, the Crash is capable of creating a buzz for at least a few months and landing music in bright commercials for soda, clothing and gum. -Kenyon