Parlour Steps — The Hidden Names

With their new album, The Hidden Names, Parlour Steps seem to have perfected the pop they first explored on the debut album, Ambiguoso. Hidden Names shines far brighter as songs like the opener, "As The World Tuned Out" and the chant-filled "Bleeding Hearts" spill from earphone or car speaker, bringing a slight jump to the listener's step.

Vocalist/leader Caleb Stull instills a plentiful heaping of outright joy to the band's musical optimism, while guitarist Rees Haynes plays some sinfully tight guitar solos that complement the sugar sweetness of the band's invigorating harmonies.

The addition of a brass section on "Soft Lies" and "Yesterday's Tomorrow" expands and redefines the musical vision of this bright Vancouver quintet. While "Sleeping City" is a bit non-descript, its follow-up "Ring That Bell" is a power pop tour-de-force that highlights the band's strengths — subtle time changes, crisp musical backing and complex vocal harmonies.

It's not all high-energy pop. The band does know how to roll out the more introspective side with a compellingly serious ballad, "Bad Math" featuring keyboardist Alison Maira's fine tinkling of the ivories.

In all, The Hidden Names is filled with a wide assortment of cherished musical moments that feel warmer with each new listen.

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