Perhaps the biggest question I have after listening to Division of Laura Lee's new album Das Not Compute, is why the hell aren't these guys on the Curiosa Tour? Certainly they're more Joy Division than Cure, but if Interpol fits the bill, than so do these self-assured Swedish rockers.

With a darker, edgier style of moody rock n roll, Division of Laura Lee sort of reminds me of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and I also detect hints of Dandy Warhols (circa 13 Tales of Urban Bohemia). Strangely, they are often classified as punk (which might have been the case fifteen years ago) and are even on tour with The Kinison. This sort of misrepresents what the band is about, but if it brings more listeners, then I suppose that's just fine.

While I enjoyed Division of Laura Lee's last record (2002's Black City), it has nothing on Das Not Compute. If anything, it was noisier and less polished. This outing is slickly produced and much more accomplished, but most importantly, it's a much more enjoyable listen.

Division of Laura Lee has a swagger about them, and this above all makes nearly every tune on this album come alive with infectious energy. The entire record had me hooked after the first listen with it's atmospheric but extremely accessible style of goth-tinged rock.

For whatever reason, there isn't a lot of buzz on this band which is really too bad. With outfits like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Hives, The Walkmen and The Killers enjoying success, it's almost as if Division of Laura Lee is slipping through the cracks. If you're into those acts and the previously mentioned Interpol and Dandy Warhols, pick up Das Not Compute by Division of Laura Lee. It's one of those undiscovered gems that deserves a bigger push than it's getting. This is a cool record.

On a sidenote, Division of Laura Lee is currently touring on the West Coast, and from what I've heard, their live shows are not to be missed.