Fun Fun Fun Fest Phases

Times New Viking

After a trio of energetic, lo-fi-or-die albums, Columbus, Ohio, trio Times New Viking has almost reached enlightenment. Back when the members were calling themselves shitgaze, 2005's Dig Yourself and Present the Paisley Reich two years later were the sound of musicians learning their instruments, blowing out speakers, and searching for melody. Eventually, one has to move beyond the 4-track, elbow up to the front. Born Again points TNV in that direction. Primitive guitar, keys, and drums are still the foundation, but now they muzzle blasts of distortion for more pleasing results, like on "No Time, No Hope" and "Move to California." Elsewhere, the drums still sound like they're being beat with a blanket while vocals/guitar overlap to the point of dizziness, but TNV's getting there, and like heroes the Clean, it has a pop heart. If this album were about four songs shorter, you could hear its beat better. (Saturday, 2:40pm, Orange Stage.)