On their fifth full-length recording, the High Llamas have overcome their somewhat derivative nature and created a well-balanced and original excursion into avant-garde pop music. While band leader Sean O'Hagan's affiliation with Stereolab is reflected in his work, the melodic influences of Brian Wilson's Beach Boys, Ennio Morricone, French pop, and German electronica have all been sublimated in service of the song. Mixing conventional rock instrumentation with modern technology and the use of glockenspiels and xylophones, the band's sound is seductively textured and quietly complex. Although O'Hagan's singing isn't robust, his distinctive voice suits these quirky performances. With Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier and Mary Hansen lending some beautiful harmonies and Tortoise's John McEntire serving as sound engineer, Snowbug is a compelling group effort that deserves to be heard. --Mitch Myers