Gatsby's first full-length combines four-part harmonies, mathematical drumming, indie rock pastiches, sweet pop hooks and an edgy underside. The Boston-based band's previous releases -- two EPs and two singles in the past four years -- have hinted at their ability, but nothing could prepare you for Floods + Fires. Gatsby have been likened to Hüsker Dü, Heatmiser, Guided by Voices, The Feelies and Das Damen, and here, at last, you'll get the impression that they've earned the comparisons.

Opener "Pretty to Think So" burns in on guitarists Jay Figueroa and Brandon Walsh's soaring tones and subtle distortion. Bassist and principle singer/songwriter Alan Wuorinen keeps his lyric-lines solid but spare, and drummer Scott Robinson pushes the song along with propulsive fills. "High Low" is the first of a few twenty second placeholders, perhaps designed to give us a chance to breathe. It's also a nice bit of transition, taking the band away from high-octane rockers and into the midtempo "It's All My Fault". This tune's understated harmonies and sweet, simple guitar leads, make it, as Wuorinen sings, the perfect song for "Saturday morning, sitting on the couch."

Gatsby's willingness to experiment with tempo and temperament is reasserted later in the disc. "Paint" could have been a straight-up pop song, except that the regular drums have been replaced by a calculus-obsessed rock rhythm section. The guitarists hack away at the darkness and Wuorinen puts a little more stress on his already strained voice. This is a song that's meant to be played loud.

Two of the album's best songs come in its final minutes. "My Piano" builds to a climax using the fine interplay between the titular piano, the sharp guitar and the soaring backing harmonies. De facto closer "Cut Me Down" makes no bones about the brawls it's been in. Knife thin guitars are layered atop pummeling drums and rumbling bass; this is a song that takes no prisoners.

"Cut Me Down" isn't really the end; for reasons unknown, five hidden tracks follow it. Consider them a bonus; as much Gatsby as you can get is a very good thing.