Artist: Secret & Whisper

Album: Teenage Fantasy

Release Date: 4/6/10

Label: Tooth & Nail Records

Album titles can mean everything or nothing. Secret & Whisper's sophomore album Teenage Fantasy has nearly nothing to do with the title at all. No, this album is not specifically aimed toward teenagers, but is derived from the band's teenage dream of being in a band. Wrapped in a complex sound and cryptic lyrics, Secret & Whisper contain a very unique edge to them. Composed of post-hardcore mixed with ambient layered indie rock, Teenage Fantasy is a solid follow up to the band's debut Great White Whale.

Teenage Fantasy has a somewhat dreamy sound to it, still mixed in with the post-hardcore styled riffs, but is less heavier from their debut. The album's highlight "Whale Bones" is a slower song that still has their edge, but a heavier sense of indie thrown in. A guest appearance from producer Jeff Schneeweis (Number One Gun) adds to the feel, giving it an airy feeling. It stands as one of the unique parts of Teenage Fantasy. Most of the songs on the album seem to run together a bit, not varying much from song to song. The heavier "Warrior (Southern Arrowwood" is another highlight, with mystifying lyrics that are found on nearly every song. The instrumental "Pretty Snarl" has some catchy riffs, accompanied by some other repetitive instrumentation that actually turns out as a high point. Teenage Fantasy is a solid album and doesn't come off categorized as the dreaded sophomore slump.

Rating: 8/10 Secret & Whisper's latest Teenage Fantasy is a solid follow up to Great White Whale. The tracks don't necessarily differ much from song to song, but do contain an edge to them. The album will leave you in a dreamy state of mind as well, mixing heavier elements with

slower indie rock formed tunes.