Part of the Elephant Six collective of psychedelic pop bands (they were high school chums with The Olivia Tremor Control and Neutral Milk Hotel in their hometown of Ruston, LA), the now-Denver-based Apples In Stereo run wild with their Beach Boys/Pet Sounds fixation on their splendid second album. Guitarist/vocalist Robert Schneider is the key auteur here, crafting a winning set of strange but melodic tunes. Drummer Hilarie [stet] Sidney also gets props for contributing to the irresistible harmonies. (Witness the big, orchestral/vocal build-up at the end of "Silver Chain.")Jim Derogatis