Tokyo Police Club – A Lesson in Crime

16 minutes and 22 seconds. The time it might take you to shower and shave or walk your miniature dog around a city block. Or, in the case of Tokyo Police Club, the duration of a wickedly catchy new album that everyone should be listening to this summer if they wish to avert ennui. Every song here clocks in at less than three minutes, but each sows the seeds of an epic story, ranging from the futuristic melancholia of Citizens of Tomorrow to the charged, secretive farewell of Be Good. This is music that crackles, sparks and sometimes hits back at unexpected moments with screaming pop ferocity, bringing to mind the fervent energy of such bands as Run Chico Run and The Vertical Struts. Blink and you’ll miss one the best records released this year. Repeat play is obviously essential. (Karyn Bonham)

CD, Paper Bag Records, 455 Spadina Ave., Suite 306, Toronto, ON M5S 2G8, paperbagrecords.com, tokyopoliceclub.com