Fingers Crossed (2004)

Rarely have so many people come together to create something so modest. This Australian octet often seems more like a duo, laying half-whispered vocals over simple, spare songs with no sharp edges and plenty of breathing room. It might not be the most efficient setup, but their debut album -- which recalls airy pop bands like Belle & Sebastian and the Pastels -- actually has more going on than a first listen suggests, with intricate arrangements that are somehow more interesting for being hard to hear.

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