The Pranks (from Columbus) are so sweet on the ears. Their first release, "An American Prankster in London," jangles like late 80s indie rock without trying too hard to be cool. Have you ever chewed bubblegum and smoked a cig at the same time? Sam Stansfield delivers catchy bedroom pop hooks and melodies with his electric guitar and whimsical/explicit lyrics. Analog drum machines and human accompaniment. Rachel’s Papers is a Cincinnati four-piece steeped in the sounds of 70s/80s post-punk and 2000s indie rock. Jangly riffs, simple melodies, and songs that don’t overstay their welcome.