Science Partner

Although it's labeled as a mere demo, this three-song, self-titled disc from Science Partner — formerly the Tyler Despres band — is far from a sketch or work in progress. Tightly controlled and clean as a whistle, it offers a quick dose of acoustic-based indie pop that, while sugary and...

By Jason Heller

October 8, 2009

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Although it's labeled as a mere demo, this three-song, self-titled disc from Science Partner — formerly the Tyler Despres band — is far from a sketch or work in progress. Tightly controlled and clean as a whistle, it offers a quick dose of acoustic-based indie pop that, while sugary and harmonized, manages to have a bit of texture and bite. "Bee Is a Bee" is an almost nursery-rhyme kind of ditty dripping with rich instrumentation, while "A Little Sound" wraps the same vibe in a folkier feel. Despres and company don't discover a downbeat key until the closer, "Ground Fault Interrupter," and by that time, it's already clear that these people are of the happy and shiny variety and that Science Partner is all about the bounce and the sigh. Which suits this debut just right.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.