On their second full-length, Chicago’s The Laureates stick to their strengths – rough-and-tumble garage rock with a power pop sheen. The songs on Spells are energetic and wild, but the band never lets things get too out of hand and know when to pull back. The result is crunchy guitars and punchy rhythms in quite an accessible format.

As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The last time The Laureates released original material was in the form on the snaggy 2010 EP No Kontrol. Its raw production worked for the most part, but occasionally would get in the way of the band’s more melodic moments.

On Spells, everything is a lot more even keel. Chad Preston and Adam Penly’s guitars are still upfront but don’t bleed through your speakers. Instead, they fiercely jangle while drummer Pete Gray keeps things steady with his tight pocket playing and bassist Crawfie Ward’s weaving grooves give the low end some real bounce.

There’s toothed brit-pop (“Robbers”), swinging, whiskey swelling numbers (“All Eyes Open”) and even earnest, soulful folk-punk takes (“Changes, Etc.”). But perhaps the most intriguing songs are the ones where you can pinpoint influences in a familiar yet oddly satisfying way.

“Don’t Lose Your Cool” opens with a Spoon-like guitar waltz that’s as recognizable as it is catchy. “Monitor Me” features revved-up mid-60′s riffage, and Spells concludes with a psychedelic nod to “House Of The Rising Sun” with “Moon Bitch.”

Maybe most importantly, The Laureates brim with confidence on the record, which aids the songs in sounding organically created rather than forced. And it pays off as Spells is a very solid and focused set of garage-pop tunes.

Spells will be released on June 28 and can be ordered at Candydinner.com
_____________________________________________________
THE LAUREATES
9:00 p.m., Friday, June 17
Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont
$8
21+
_____________________________________________________