The Torrent

Twitchy art school dance floor rock is the name of the game for the Torrent, and it’s a game they play rather well. Especially endearing is the knowing smirk with which this Toronto duo deliver their pulsing three-chord punk bursts. Lyrically, gratuitous name checking of cooler-than-thou icons abounds — Giorgio Moroder, Luis Bunuel and, um, Sonny and Cher — but I don’t think this bunch care much about lyrics, which is part of why this is such a fun listen. That the tunes are succinct and infectious definitely helps — the piercing synths of "Pairs,” for example, are sure to inspire many a bout of uncoordinated dance floor revelry. Still, it’s hard not to shake the feeling that these beats are a little neutered on record; I’m sure the Torrent are even more of a French-kissing good time live.