REVIEWSFool's Gold, ‘Leave No Trace’

6

• SPIN Rating:6 of 10

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Release Date: August 16, 2011
Label: IAMSOUND

Not to be confused with Fool's Gold Records, this Los Angeles quintet distilled a refreshing blend of African influences and Hebrew-language vocals on their 2009 self-titled debut. Featuring three members of indie-rock vets Foreign Born, Fool's Gold sidesteps here toward shiny '80s pop -- sung in English -- on their sophomore album. Synths glimmer on "Street Clothes"; the title track has that Smiths/R.E.M. jangle. Though still sunny and hooky, Leave No Trace lacks the enigmatic spark of its predecessor, especially now that the words are more readily understandable.