Review: WATERS proves to be 'What's Real' (Grade: A-minus)

Yes, the alternative power pop band WATERS sounds an awful lot like Grouplove. WATERS lead singer Van Pierszalowski could sub for Grouplove vocalist Christian Zucconi, and you might not notice a difference.

But don’t undersell WATERS because it sounds like something you’ve heard, for with its second LP, “What’s Real,” the band makes a strong play to be the next big thing in alternative music.

If you listen relatively closely to alternative music, you might have heard WATERS last year with its fantastic EP "It All Might Be OK." It was among the best EPs of 2014. "What's Real" leads off with the best two songs from the EP, "Got to My Head" and "I Feel Everything." The standout, "Over It," also made the transition from EP to LP.

What makes “What’s Real” impressive is that the new material essentially equals what you might have heard before. Perszalowski hails from Norway, but the other four members of the band are from San Francisco, and (like Grouplove) the sound is more California than it is Scandanavia.

The music is uptempo, driven by guitars and keyboards, with catchy, sing-along choruses. “Mom & Dads,” the title track, and “Stupid Games” are the best of the new material.

In October, Rolling Stone included WATERS among its 10 Artists You Need to Know. With breezy tunes sure to get alt radio airplay and a tour with Matt & Kim underway, WATERS is in a prime position to make a summer splash.