Ever the peppy bundle of joy, The Polyphonic Spree continue their spree of adorable indie-pop albums sure to aggravate some and bring over-sized smiles to others. Yes, It's True is what is expected at this point from the big-sound Dallas rockers. The collective strives to convey a sense of artful optimism and while they may not gain or lose any fans from their latest work, frontman Tim DeLaughter's voice might remind listeners enough of The Flaming Lips or Grandaddy at their happiest sounding.
While occasionally awkwardly self-deprecating (at the end of "Carefully Try" a radio announcer refers to the band as presenting "the sounds of the 70s"), The Polyphonic Spree mostly seem sincere enough in their simple love of life. Even on slower songs, there is an innocence and appreciation of wonder that permeates the surprising quietude. However, the music is still most compelling at its loudest and most bombastic (hear "Popular Minds;" "Heart Talk").
Cheery enthusiasm aside, sadness and ambiguity do muddy The Polyphonic Spree's message (DeLaughter references a world where "straitjackets become the new fashion"). As a whole though, The Polyphonic Spree still are sunshine in an often cloudy musical sky. Whether their sun is too overbearing and nauseatingly bright will depend on the listener. On "Battlefield" the band themselves acknowledge that the sun doesn't always help. Still, while Yes, It's True might have a tendency toward overbaking the ear, it is an excellent source of Vitamin D.
Grade: B-
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