Can you remember your music collection from your pre- and early teen years? Depending on when you grew up it may have consisted of New Kids on the Block, MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, N'Sync, or countless other forgettable acts. The point is that most of us would categorize our listening efforts during those years as "craptastic". That makes the second album by Smoosh, Free To Stay, all the more impressive. Smoosh is a sister-duo of Chloe (12 years old) on drums and Asya (14 years old) on keyboard and vocals. While I am sure they listen to way cooler music than I did at their ages, they are making truly great music. Smoosh have all ready shared the stage with Death Cab For Cutie, Cat Power, and Jimmy Eat World and are embarking on a summer tour around the globe with The Eels. To make me even more jealous, Jason McGerr of Death Cab For Cutie is their drum teacher.

The band make-up of drums and keyboards instantly brings Barsuk neighbors Mates of State to mind and the opening track "Free to Stay" lives true to that comparison. However, Smoosh prove to be musically diverse throughout the remainder of the album. On the track "Rock Song", the heavy, repetitive chords and wispy, trailing vocals produce an image of Jack and Meg White reincarnated as teenage girls. Take away the creepiness of the first half of that image and you are left with an impressive listening experience. The tracks "I Would Go" and "Free To Stay" offer upbeat, indie-pop and showcase Smoosh’s harmony.

Free To Stay is a perfectly melodic and catchy album that is sure to continue to please listen upon listen. So listen to this album and let your jealousy fester knowing that while we were all playing with He-Man action figures and combing the manes of our My Little Pony collections between the ages of 12-14, the talented Smoosh duo is living the indie-rock dream.