Sweet, simple surfer songs

“Habibi‰” means “my love‰” in Arabic, making itself an appropriate name for this group of sweetly innocent surfer girls. Their preferred combination of mid-tempo paces and sugary group harmonies put a pleasant spin on even their most downtrodden lyrics; phrases like “You don‰’t really want me, but I think you do‰” could read on paper as sad or desperate, but Habibi have a way of making it sound like they‰’re having a blast. Unfortunately, their musical aesthetic becomes limiting at times, with some songs sounding interchangeable. It makes you wish they would liven up their tunes more often, as they do on the brisk, confident “I‰’ve Got The Moves.‰” Still, Habibi‰’s debut has more than its fair share of enjoyable, catchy material.

RIYL: La Luz, Vivian Girls, Shannon and The Clams
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 5, 8