Wussy

Detail: Wussy’s self-titled album is a culmination of everything the band does well — eccentric but grippingly clever wordplay, crafty vocal interplay and dirty, buzzing Pop songs that bubble with soulful energy and heart-baring emotions. While the band’s last album, Left For Dead, seemed to more showcase the vocal talents of Lisa Walker, she splits and shares duties more evenly with co-frontperson Chuck Cleaver on Wussy. There is something magical about the duo’s musical partnership, evidenced by the interwoven counter melodies and backups one provides while the other takes the lead. The album also regains some of the rawness of its debut, Funeral Dress, without losing the crispness of Left For Dead. It’s fitting that this one is self-titled — so far, it’s the definitive Wussy release.

Though often buoyant and upbeat musically, there is a lot of heartbreak seething between the alternately jangly and dirging guitars and utilityman/secret weapon Mark Messerly’s superb, perfect-fit ornamentation. Walker and Cleaver are two of the best lyricists in town and on Wussy they shine brighter than ever.

As with many bands that feature dual vocalists of the opposite sex, there’s an apparent tension (real or imagined) that manifests itself at times on Wussy. Tension can kill lesser bands, but Wussy has channeled it so masterfully here, it feels like a rebirth.