Who? Score one more for the Great White North. Edmonton, Alberta quintet the Whitsundays -- Paul Arnusch (vocals/percussion), Dave Swanson (guitar/vocals), Clint Frazier (drums), Lyle Bell (bass/vocals), and Doug Organ (keyboards) -- are busy fellows. The '60s-inspired indie pop ensemble shares members Frazier and Bell with buzz-worthy electro-noisemakers Shout Out Out Out Out, while Arnusch also shares his talents with dream-pop astronauts Faunts and post-punkers the Floor. The band's combined effort, an eponymous debut LP, is due Jan. 22 via Friendly Fire Recordings.

What's the Deal? Combine the sound of late-'60s psychedelic pop with the modern indie air of the Shins and the deliciously smooth milkshake that results is the Whitsundays. Their self-titled LP resurrects the spirit of the Animals and Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys convincingly enough to bring a smile to Brian Wilson's face, and was recorded on main Whit Arnusch's collection of vintage equipment, including guitars, Rhodes and Wurlitzers. Arnusch's whisper voice reigns over subtle, sneaky hooks, murmuring romanticized lyrics throughout. The group even snags the emo vote with raucous romp "Antisocial," an ode to unrequited romance.

Fun Fact: Arnusch has a tendency for sleepwalking that only becomes more frequent while on tour. "Once I woke up standing in the parking lot of our motel, by the highway in Sudbury, Ontario, still in my underwear," he tells SPIN.com. "On the way back from the East we happened to stay at the same motel and sure enough, I was out and about that night too." 

Now Hear This:
The Whitsundays - "Sorry James" DOWNLOAD MP3

On the Web:
The Whitsundays at MySpace

Talk: Are the Whitsundays a worthy flashback or just modern-day posers?