Elektra

On their 2010 debut, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, Los Angeles soul rock group Fitz and the Tantrums didn’t quite match the massive dynamic buoyancy of their live performances. That’s not so much a concern here on the band’s second effort. More Than Just a Dream is a grandiose album – full of movement and energy – bolstered by lively production from Tony Hoffer. On punchy numbers like single-ready “Spark” and gospel-inspired “House On Fire,” Fitz and crew have successfully crafted vintage tunes that simultaneously feel contemporary. It’s the sort of disc that begs for repeat listens – and if that’s the case, then imagine how well these numbers will be augmented and expanded live.