The first time I listened to Avi Buffalo’s self-titled debut all I could think about was: The Shins! The Shins! The Shins! These guys sound like The Shins! I was ready to write them off as just some Shins knockoff, riding the waves Mercer & Co. have been churning out for years. But Avi Buffalo, despite releasing their first album on indie giant Sub Pop (the same label as The Shins), despite their high-pitched vocals, their jangly guitars, their spacey reverb and slapback echo, and their fluency in the ways of pop craft, Avi Buffalo are definitely not The Shins.

To be fair, their comparisons will range further than that. Band leader and main songwriter Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg possesses a shakily honest voice that rarely stoops lower than a falsetto, as well as the coolest hyphenated name since Omar Rodriguez-López. Though it’s neat to think of him as James Mercer’s weirdo younger cousin twice-removed, his vocals are more reminiscent of either Radical Face or Loney, Dear. Keyboardist Rebecca Coleman has a pretty voice, too, and she does much to break up the vocal sequencing (especially in “One Last”), taking the lead here and there, adding an interesting dynamic to Avi Buffalo’s prettiest songs. Drummer Sheridan Riley and bassist Arin Fazio hold down the rhythm section with a delicate clarity not often seen in a band this young. Most of the members are still in high school.

And though their indie-kid influences are readily apparent, they’ve written a handful of infectiously catchy pop tunes. The album opens up leisurely with the slow burning “Truth Sets In,” acoustic guitars fading in to reveal dual octave vocals that melt over appropriately placed hand claps. “Coaxed” is a spaced-out ditty with plenty of noodling to keep the ears occupied. Lead single “What’s In It For?” will make you want to take up surfing lessons, with its shimmering Beach Boy guitars and laidback west coast lyrics that do nothing to hide the innocence of their collective ages.

With libidos and hormones at full-throttle, Avi Buffalo are not ashamed to litter their songs with lewd lyrics one might find scrawled across a bathroom stall door. Songs such as “Five Little Sluts” and “Summer Cum” answer the question Avi Buffalo poses with their closing song “Where’s Your Dirty Mind.” And even though this latter song is perhaps the weakest, sloppiest attempt on the album, it is nonetheless enjoyable. Though interestingly enough its inquisitive title lacks the question mark that two of their other titles contain. Suffice it to say, when the band’s own dirty minds are on display, they perform their best; “Five Little Sluts” should be hailed as a modern day nursery rhyme for the college bound while the minimal percussion on “Summer Cum” evokes The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” albeit in a more upbeat and childish manner.

“Jessica,” however, shows off the more mature side of the band; it’s a gorgeous song that, even with its chilled out, beachy tone, is able to reach a southern rock-style climax, perhaps as a tribute to The Allman Brothers’ tune of the same name. Rebecca Coleman’s clear voice cuts straight past Avi’s in “One Last,” adding a slightly country vibe to the lap steel floating around in the background. The expansive mini-jam toward the end of “Remember Last Time,” another obvious standout track, showcases Avi’s fretboard knowledge, giving a convincing display of his outspoken love of Nels Cline. The song has a Wilco-ish build that swells to grand proportions, making for one of the best moments on the album.

Okay, Avi, through multiple listens you’ve redeemed yourself. This is a great album that deserves a chance, even among the snarkiest of comparisons. And who knows, maybe even those die hard Shins fans disappointed by the Broken Bells album will find something new to latch onto, especially seeing as James Mercer has been firing band members left and right. But be warned here: Avi Buffalo is an incredibly catchy album that may make you momentarily forget about The Shins altogether. Be prepared to have nearly every song and every melody stuck in your head for days on end.

Track List:
1. Truth Sets In
2. What's In It For?
3. Coaxed
4. Five Little Sluts
5. Jessica
6. Summer Cum
7. One Last
8. Can't I Know?
9. Remember Last Time
10. Where's Your Dirty Mind