Their name is immediately intriguing. For many people, it becomes even more so when attached to British Columbia native Spencer Krug. He is the genius behind Wolf Parade, a third of Swan Lake, part time member of Frog Eyes, and co-founder of Fifths of Seven.

Aside from the fact that basically everything he touches is gold, Sunset Rubdown is independently astounding. 2006's Shut Up I Am Dreaming had been their most impressive work to date, with intricate and unconventional orchestral prog-pop arrangements. The striking and sometimes surprising melodies of last year's Random Spirit Lover only improved upon their predecessor. In a recent interview with Exclaim! Magazine, Krug himself has acknowledged that this album works as a more cohesive whole.

Sunset Rubdown had always occupied the reserved parking in my CD player, but they have now secured a seat on my morning bus ride. They keep me awake better than a large Guatemalan blend, and provide a suitably epic soundtrack for the sunrise. How appropriate.