Nate Ruess, formerly of The Format, formed the New York trio fun. in ’08 with Andrew Dost, previously of Anathallo, and Jack Antonoff of Steel Train. The band’s first release, Aim And Ignite, sounds like a whimsical pop parade filled with Coca-Cola commercial sing-alongs and “Bohemian Rhapsody”-style a cappella. The album's theatrical elements can’t be ignored, and at some points throughout the album you might think you're listening to an improved Panic! At The Disco. Not everyone will love Ruess’ innocent, sometimes gospel-tinged vocals, but they are always delivered with the utmost level of conviction. “Be Calm,” the album's opener, weaves its way through tempos and features everything from animated gypsy accordion/violin parts to triumphant peaks backed by a fairy-tale marching band. Aim and Ignite's lyrics are nothing out of the ordinary, but if I was in NYC I’d probably be singing about the city streets and pretty girls too. The name says it all. fun.’s joyous debut is a thoughtful effort that would be great to break out on one of those days when everything feels just right. - Benjamin Evans