Sleepwalker

Chicago's Magnus embrace post-rock on Sleepwalker, crafting artful indie rock that's equal parts brains and brawn. If not inspired by Radiohead's The Bends, the disc can't help but recall it as evidenced by "Inside Out," one of several standouts. Another, "Behind the Eyes," feels closer to the pop side of Canada's Broken Social Scene. But for all the comparisons, Magnus somehow succeeds in retaining its own identity on this debut. The title track is as beautiful as it is powerful, where chaotic sounds are used subtly. The group is careful not to overpower the album with experimentalism, demonstrated to further effect on the set-bowing "Sun Burning Satellites." Here, the electronic bleeps at play are promptly crushed by My Bloody Valentine-like guitars, sounding like the perfect ending to a promising new album and the perfect launching pad for Magnus — who just may become college radio's heroes of tomorrow. ~ John D. Luerssen, Rovi