THE OLD SOUL - Gold

Gold is the kind of bursting-at-the-seams pop record that bandleader Luca Maoloni was born to write. Far less indebted to The Beach Boys' classic pop than their debut, Gold also benefits from greater focus and even better tunes than in the past. Sonic omnivores, the Old Soul use every tone available; this record is punch drunk with gurgling synths, flowing strings and tons of unexpected flourishes, not the least of which is the giddy steel drum hook on "Let's Neck". For all the chaos, Maoloni's spirited vocals keep your ears on the song; the man's got melodies like your high school janitor had keys.