Despite some surface attitudinal similarities to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, vocalist Paloma Parfrey and her intrepid backing musicians (who also sing, usually in rollicking chorus) have little in common with Karen O. & Co.'s grittier musical leanings. The Sharp Ease's sound is stripped down and straightforward, evoking more technically skilled riot grrrls -- but instead of righteous feminist indignation, we're treated to effervescent saxophone-enhanced musings on the nature of "Life Preservers" ("So unstable") and bouncy power-pop odes to redheaded acquaintances ("Joan"). Tracks like "I Demand" hint at a certain amount of disaffection ("I demand / A new plan"), but Parfrey is far too busy enjoying herself to waste time bitching; whatever messages these songs may convey are entirely subordinate to her lively persona. She's one of those singers who can make the "sometimes off key and not always on rhythm, either" thing work; her voice generally alternates between a brazen rock-star singsong and a preening, breathless coo. Rhythm section Christene Kings (drums) and Dana Barenfeld (bass) keep things grounded, while Sara Musser's angular and often discordant guitar provides an interesting focal point during the infrequent times when Parfrey's not rambling through her lyrics like a tourist without an itinerary. Altogether, Going Modern is quite an entertaining trip.