'Something' refreshing

What do you do when the other founding member of your band not only drops out, but also reportedly ends your romance?

You write a solid, ’80s-esque album more heartfelt than the first — one that still holds all the quirks — and let it all out.

Chairlift’s “Something” places the revengeful (“Sidewalk Safari”) next to the sweetly romantic (“Met Before”) all over an airy, techno-pop beat.

They’re simple beats that let Caroline Polachek’s voice shine, as it should. Her voice floats over the melodies like a harder, more modern Pat Benatar, making every change from high to low seem effortless. She can go from rhythm and blues emotional in “Cool as a Fire” to quick and breathy in “I Belong in Your Arms.”

Nothing on “Something” comes across as especially striking or difficult. There are definitely a few songs I’ll never listen to again, but it does offer a refreshing pop sound that will make other indie bands pay attention.