The Spinto Band

More than a decade after getting their start under the name Free Beer, Delaware's Spinto Band have perfected a delicate balance of form and content. Moonwink's manic tunes are miniature rock'n'roll extravaganzas, with intricate melodies and airtight, detailed arrangements providing a dramatic setting for charmingly woozy singer Nick Krill (think early Sparks, only fronted by someone much sleepier). "They All Laughed" and "Vivian, Don't" could be dismissed as shiny pop fun -- and too clever for their own good -- until you discover the throbbing angst lurking behind Krill's giddy energy.

By Jon Young