Headlights, "Some Racing, Some Stopping" (Polyvinyl)

Champaign's Headlights have come a long way. Since their stunning debut with the "Enemies" EP they've shown promise. Lots of promise, in fact. And their captivating live show has always made their albums a bit of a mystery: How can a band create so much swirling, flowing, beautiful music onstage but not transfer it to the studio? With "Some Racing, Some Stopping," it seems the trio has finally figured out what it takes to work in both environments.

The album's opener is called "Get Your Head Around It," which feels as much like a command as much as it does a song title. The Headlights' playful indie three-piece has never sounded so focused, demonstrative or confident, and this trend continues throughout the album. Vocalists Tristan Wraight and Erin Fein sound stronger than ever, and the music they create behind them is far more concise than previously thought possible. The result is something Phil Spector would be proud to attach his name to, a gorgeous wall of sound that is always full but never dense. The songs are listenable and re-listenable, exploding with the ebullience every playful indie outfit wishes they could capture. The melodies are catchy while not overtly radio-friendly, the lyrics are typically impenetrable, and the whole package is danceable like the day is long.

After 2006's "Kill Them With Kindness," this is a very welcome album indeed. Where that album suffered from excessive experimentation and lack of general direction, this is the sound of a band that has matured without losing the childlike excitement that is the Headlights' earmark.

Easily one of the most enjoyable listens so far this year, music fans would do well to remember Headlights when it comes time for best-of lists in December. Expecting great things from this band wouldn't be much of a stretch, and now they've finally got the album to get them there.

Rating 3½ stars