This debut is built wholly from synthesizers (no guitars), live drums, and the familiar warmth of David Bazan's (Pedro The Lion) syrupy vocal delivery. Headphones tip their hat to modern stalwarts like Depeche Mode, The Flaming Lips, Kraftwerk, and Radiohead, who seamlessly integrate electronics into the fabric of rock and pop. Avoiding kitsch and cuteness, Headphones deliver deft arrangements with timeless melodies and uncanny lyrical depth.