Punches

World Leader Pretend's major-label debut, Punches, oozes with a raw, crazed, bouncing-off-the-wall spirit that can't be created or faked. Sloppy, garagey, analog and so damn fun to listen to, World Leader Pretend is undoubtedly the only young New Orleans rock band with a major-label deal. Beautiful yet gritty, with heart, power, and catchy melodies, as on "Bang Theory," World Leader Pretend sounds like a punk band playing soul music inspired by Stax, Memphis, Muscle Shoals and Detroit. Embracing the unexpected, Punches is a knockout.