Whirlaway

The Tadpoles’ relatively brief but still very busy existence during the 1990s ended with a satisfying bang with Whirlaway, as engaging an end-of-the-century slice of slightly shaggy and trippy psych rock as one could want. With the whole band always emphasizing melodies and grooves – “Frances the Dancer” starts the album with a frug as much as a soundtrack for an oil projection – lead figure Todd Parker delivers both vocal and, with Nick Kramer, guitar goods. Songs like “Smile If You’ve Crossed Over” and the title track have a crisp, engaging energy.