Tops are a four-piece band from Montreal, equal parts girls and guys, delivering a raw punk take on AM studio pop. Their new record, Picture You Staring, is a lush array of timelessly crafted songs. Singer Jane Penny gives a new voice to the silent girl at the edge of the circle, disillusioned but honest and unpretentious, a tone complemented by David Carriere’s seamless guitar playing and the measured drumming of Riley Fleck. Tops’ subtle arrangements are delivered with a cool restraint that blend with the individuality and self-assured desire of their female lead. Picture You Staring gathers strength through intimacy. Self-written, recorded and produced at Arbutus Records’ studio in Montreal over the course of a year, this album contains 12 impeccable examples of pop craftsmanship that will reward repeat listeners.

• 1Way to Be Loved
• 2Blind Faze
• 3Circle the Dark
• 4Outside
• 5All the People Sleep
• 6Sleeptalker
• 7Superstition Future
• 82 Shy
• 9Change of Heart
• 10Easier Said
• 11Driverless Passenger
• 12Destination