There are no girls in Girls, the San Francisco-duo comprised by front man and vocalist Christopher Owens and Chet JR White. Girls are, however, a recurring theme throughout their debut album, simply called Album. Two songs are even named after Girls.

Owens’ tragic childhood (google it) is very much present on Album, albeit between the lines and below the surface. The music, power pop, is at times stripped down and minimalistic, other times like a wall of guitar feedback and sound, always melodic. The tunes are mostly up-tempo and sunny, but the clever lyrics and emotional delivery reveal vulnerability in a direct and honest way. Bittersweet nostalgia permeates Owens’ tales of love, breakups and loneliness.

Girls have been compared to Elvis Costello, Beach Boys, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison among others. It’s true, to a certain extent. Owens and White do recycle elements from the last four decades in pop music, but the result is neither calculated nor fake. The heartfelt album definitely belongs to right here, right now. Girls will perform live at The Oya Festival on the 13th of August.

www.myspace.com/girls