Brooklyn-based quartet Bear Hands’ sophomore album, Distraction, is studded with enough high-flying ’80s-style synths and pealing guitars to soundtrack a John Hughes film. That being said, the alt-pop exemplified by Bear Hands is easy-to-ride, accented by gliding guitars fit for a long drive on a summer’s day. Punctuated with frontman Dylan Rau’s vocals — which hop between a chant and a sing-song groove — their standout single, “Giants,” is an over-the-top love anthem with some bite.
Rau sings “I see art, you see class / you think, you ask / you say ‘Darling am I a chore?”‘ / I said I know you love me, I am loving you more” with dramatic, invigorating energy. Complete with an ODB and a Kansas Jayhawks reference, the track is smart, snappy and seductive in all the right ways.