So-named The Rentals due to the rotating cast of musicians Matt Sharp (ex-Weezer) enlists to fill out his band, the group found widespread success with "Friends of P" on their debut record Return of the Rentals.
Lost In Alphaville, the new album featuring Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig (Lucius - vocals), Ryen Slegr (Ozma - guitars), Lauren Chipman (The Section Quartet - strings) and Patrick Carney (The Black Keys - drums), is a true sonic achievement. A blissfully righteous storm of broken-up guitars, buzz-saw synthesizers, brutally, barbaric rhythms which crumble and crackle against a wash of strings, male and female voices—all blending into 10 perfectly formed pop songs.
Not only have The Rentals completely surpassed their first two albums, but Sharp just might be putting forward the best work of his entire career.