When I think of famous Parisian duos in music, my mind leaps to the electro-gods Air and Daft Punk. Safe to say, that's what I expected to hear in my headphones when I threw on No Problem, the debut from Jamaica, two boys hailing from Paris. Then a surprise, a heavy held opening chord came blasting through followed by a snappy drum machine beat and swirling crunchy guitar tones. This is not your typical French indie album.

According to Pirate! Promotions, the band has a strict no-synth policy. They pride themselves on rock star antics and huge guitar solos. There's still a little electro tinge from the percussion and the echoing, reverb latent vocals reminiscent of a less-baritone version of Joy Division's Ian Curtis. They make great, catchy pop music for the masses. Despite their French roots, all lyrics are in English.

This record really is textbook dance-pop. Songs such as "Cross the Fader," "Jericho" and "Gentleman" evoke memories of the once defunct now reunited duo Death From Above 1979, or the husband/wife pairing the Handsome Furs. It comprises dancey beats, spastic abrasive guitars and haunting pop hooks you won't be able to get out of your head as you sit in that Friday night class waiting for the weekend to start.

Another interesting fact about this debut is the band's choice to have two pretty far apart release dates. A digital version of "No Problem" hit the Internet Feb. 15, while the hard copy will keep you waiting until April 12. The digital copy will give buyers five exclusive remixes. The remixes actually turn Jamaica's songs into what you'd expect coming out of France. If you're looking to dance, hit the remixes.

All in all this is quite an impressive debut from a band that's been getting some serious hype in indie circles prior to their coming to America. It's a good time; these gents definitely have a bright future in front of them.

It's nothing groundbreaking but I just thought it's a fun album.

It got deleted. I can re-up it when I get home, unless Dalen has a link handy.