If you've been a follower of the great Yo Yo compilations from Washington, this will come as a "No duh" statement: Sara Lapsley, formerly of Kreviss, is a wonderful singer. She can sing cool like Debsey Wykes (the Birdie gal) and is able to hit the higher notes on "Dark in My Heart", enabling even the most nondescript lyrics ("Things change but they remain the same all of my life") to breathe life into your tired stereo. Through "Julep" (their Yo Yo appearance) and their Sub Pop 45s, Sara and Kreviss gave us riott grrls with bubblegum hearts -- and now, on the piano, she's blowing bubbles big and sweet with a band made up of members from many of Canada's better groups. Of the current lineup, which plays most here, there is guitarist Dan from Destroyer, bassist Steve from Capozzi Park and Shawn, who used to drum for Lily Frost. Each of them used to provide musical moments that made Vancouver look like a tough place, but now it's pure frothy pop all the way.

The title track's duet between Sara and Destroyer Dan makes "A Room of One's Own" fondly recollect Heavenly's "C is the Heavenly Option", while "Ben" takes much of its melody straight from Petula Clark's "Downtown". It's not very adventurous, yes, and many of the songs borrow not only melody but movie titles (All the Right Moves, Goodbye Mr Chips and Ben, a killer rat flick). The playing, though, is superb; Sara's voice and piano bring nothing but the best to their material.

In addition, Vancouver Nights know the beauty of minimalism. The drums tap-a-tap, the piano keys curtsy and the bass never gives shout-outs to Will Shatter. Though the best tracks here ("All the Right Moves", "Two Spirited", "Joy Like the Rain") come alive when the band cranks up the guitars a bit, it's really neat to hear an indie band confident enough in their vocal talents to let them dominate the proceedings. Of all the bands that will draw inevitable Dusty Springfield comparisons, Vancouver Nights at least allow their singer the chance to shine.