Franklin's Brian Sokel conceived AM/FM as a simple, home-recorded side project. On the strength of the early results, he added Michael Parsell and a variety of guest musicians to the equation -- but despite additional layers of complexity, Sokel's songs remained dependent upon simple, economical hooks. That's what makes Audiot so damn catchy.

As jangly pop songs go, the seven tracks here acquit themselves nicely. An Elephant Six-ish hummability persists, most notably on "The Death They Claim," "Neverever" and "Say What?", while the short but sweet "We Will Study Your Life," which bounces along on a bristling electric riff and stroppy drumming, cannot be played quietly. "A Poor Sense of Timing" makes effective use of layered vocals, and the aforementioned "Neverever" achieves near-perfection when it pits an understated "bop-bop" chorus against lap steel guitar and pump organ. Audiot even looks gorgeous thanks to the loving attention given to its art design. More indie releases should try this hard.

When you finally tear yourself away from Audiot, you'll hope Sokel doesn't leave his side project alone for long...or that he doesn't leave it as a side project at all.