Bitter Rivals

Since 2009, the Brooklyn duo of singer Alexis Krauss and guitarist Derek Miller have been turning a kitschy idea – bubblegum-pop vocals and monster guitars atop dime-store beats – into raucous, whip-smart noise rock. On their third album, the schoolyard chants are snarkier and the ooey-gooey melodies are sweeter. "You Don't Get Me Twice" isn't sure if it's a Nicki Minaj, Aerosmith or Gary Glitter song, which gives the refrain, "It's a terrifying thing, the American dream," bonus angst. Krauss has especially upped her game, weaving scream-sung jabs in with soulfully slung hooks. "Love is a contact sport," she sighs on "Love Sick," but you get the sense that stopping at mere contact isn't going to be enough.