From the picture on the inside cover of Human Television’s debut full-length album, Look at Who You’re Talking To, it’s apparent who we’re dealing with. These are just a few young dudes who are hanging out, playing music, and happen to *love* the sound of reverb. While it may be obvious to compare them to bands like Slowdive or Jesus and Mary Chain, HT’s sound has a less layered feel and the vocals are more up front in the mix. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Too often a reverb-loving band will put the vocals so deep in background, you can’t understand a word they’re saying, as is the case with Band of Horses, Human Television’s similar-sounding contemporaries. There’s a time and a place for “Just Like Honey,” but it’s also refreshing to hear a diet shoegaze sound — with an added hint of lime. This sound is most present on songs like “10 Minutes” or “I Laughed,” when frontman Billy Downing channels the gaze through Brian Wilson (or at least Carnie Wilson) and comes up with the right amount of feel good to keep your butt shakin’ all summer.

Some might try to play off Human Television as unoriginal slacker rock that’s been resurrected too many times. And it’s true, it is familiar: jangly guitars, heavy reverb, and sunshiny vocals — brought to you by your average indie rockers. But I would argue they’re far from average. “On & On” and “In Front Of The House” are two of the best tracks I’ve heard all year. So crank up the reverb: Look at Who You’re Talking To is a sign of great things to come. Let’s just hope their fans can make it off the couch, unite, and take over.