The Visitors

When Shea Sweeney and Joe Vacarelli were in the neo-alt-rock band Whirlaway a few years ago, they displayed a surprising level of sophistication in their pop songcraft. While the two have taken a step back from the spotlight as members of the Visitors, their knack for tasteful dynamics and buoyant tone is very much present here. Yes, the Visitors use piano fairly extensively in their music, but rather than coming off like every other piano-rock band of the past several years, there's nothing bland about their sound. Clearly influenced by indie rock from the past two decades, the outfit also draws inspiration from some of the more ambitious pop music of the '60s for the lush melodies and beautiful harmonies of singers Steve Dodd and Chris Laughlin. Vital and charismatic on stage, the Visitors (due at the hi-dive this Friday, January 18) will have you wanting to, well, revisit them again and again.