We Brave Bee Stings and All

Thao Nguyen finds beauty and pathos in the smallest of details on her playful second album with The Get Down Stay Down. A light, youthful vigor permeates every track, even when Thao\'s message has plenty of weight and wisdom behind it. Her raw, earthy delivery gives \"Big Kid Table\" a retro folk swing, and her banjo scurries around a sugary pop hook on \"Swimming Pools,\" in which summer nostalgia is used as a metaphor for female empowerment—a theme that subtly glimmers throughout.

Kill Rock Stars releases the first pleasant surprise of the year courtesy of 23-year-old singer-songwriter Thao Nguyen and her backing band the Get Down Stay Down, who specialize in galloping indie pop with sugar-coated hooks, a frosting of horns, and a considerable dark streak.

AllMusic provides comprehensive music info including reviews and biographies. Get recommendations for new music to listen to, stream or own.

Maybe in some respects, but Virginia-bred Thao Nguyen sounds a rather more care-free soul.