Big Deal is what happens when a young guitar teacher and his student bond over Sonic Youth, Alex Chilton and Freaks and Geeks: 12 feedback-laced psychodramas, delivered through hooky, drumless tunes specked with horny, guilt-ridden duet harmonies. "Can't do my homework/Can't concentrate," purrs Alice Costelloe on "Homework," then wonders, "Where have your clothes gone?" Partner Kacey Underwood offers, "Don’t hate my guts/It’s not my fault." A similar scene plays out in "Chair": "You don't trust me to sit on your bed/Put me on a chair in the corner instead." It'd be too coy if it wasn’t so finely tuned. Instead, it's a seductive indie-rock Pygmalion.

Listen to "Chair":

Related
• Photos: Random Notes