The Brunettes

Perhaps it's New Zealand's breezy way with pop music that bestows an extended life expectancy upon its inhabitants. The Brunettes are at the head of that class, crafting grown-up twee pop with the kind of coed cuteness that could make Mates of State all soft and sentimental. Duo Jonathan Bree and Heather Mans — with a Parisian coyness reminiscent of Charlotte Gainsbourg, and chants of "B-A-B-Y" that could pass for the Chiffons — plus part-time collaborators possess a sophisticated and moody sound that Leonard Cohen would adore. Thanks to the group's frequent visits to the States, we Yankees can lengthen our lifeline, too.