It is hard to have missed The Polyphonic Spree, no matter where you live, but here in Dallas, TX, it is nearly impossible. They're from here, and we tend to cherish our hometown artists. Tim DeLaughter, the leader of the Spree, used to head another band called Tripping Daisy, and they were popular here too.

It isn't just the music that has made the band so popular, either. I'm still waiting for the serious rumors to start, but any group with more than twenty members that all wear matching robes is bound to attract some attention, even when they don't run afoul of the Department of Homeland Security.

So how do the Spree sound? How does they compare with Tripping Daisy, for example? Does it matter?

Yes, it matters. This band isn't just popular in Dallas, they're popular around the world. They were popular even before their first full-length album was released, and with good reason. Their first full-length album, Together We're Heavy, demonstrates the reason why: It's simply brilliant.

Layers of sound form a symphony of delight, and one is alternately reminded of the Beatles, Oasis (in a good way, though), and any number of artists who rely on a symphonic backdrop for very-singable vocals. From song to song, The Spree weave a tapestry, combining diverse sounds with simple melodies, and the effect is absolutely marvelous.

This album is fantastic.