The Six Parts Seven

Bandleader Allen Karpinski has always been drawn more to intros and middle interludes than to hooks and sing-along choruses, which explains the Six Parts Seven‘s (mostly) instrumental format. More distinctly, however, Karpinski — who plays guitar and anchors the band’s nucleus — gives the music a reflective spin. This is mild-mannered indie rock, lightly peppered with vibraphone, pleasant melodies and understated chord changes. Whereas like-minded acts refuse to sing because they have something to prove, Karpinski is relaxed enough to keep the new album, Casually Smashed to Pieces, at a moderate length so that listeners don’t lose interest. Return the favor and keep quiet while the band plays.