Volunteers

There’s nothing gimmicky about Lawrence’s Volunteers. Perhaps that’s what sets the band apart from the pack. Like Josh Rouse or Matt Costa, the five-piece band casually kicks out shoulda-been radio hits — if only the radio weren’t so feebleminded. Singer-songwriter Tyler Jack Anderson sings with the enthusiasm of a mental patient finally allowed a four-track, and keyboardist Andrew Kissel sings some of the best harmonies since John Oates. Most easily classified as well-dressed folk-rock, the band’s eponymous debut also has that educated slacker vibe that made groups like Pavement and Sebadoh famous — and they even tune their guitars!