Burst

This Belgian band’s debut is less a study in contrasts than a harmonious fusion of them. The opening “March” explodes with prog-punk contortions and avant-Halen guitar needling, yet Stefanie Mannaerts’ mesmerizing melody sounds as if it’s wafting in from a classic shoegaze record. She shows a more aggressive side atop the hardcore pummel of “Not Caring”—but even at their most furious, Brutus feel more hazy than heavy. And on “Drive,” the band achieve a perfect balance of post-punk aggression and dream-pop hypnosis.