Subset

Subset

Dueling Devotions (Tight Spot) There's something inherently pretty about pain. Or at least Subset would like you to think so on their sophomore release Dueling Devotions. Guitarist/vocalist (and Chronicle Webmaster) Lindsey Simon makes that clear enough on "Bad Luck," declaring, "It's high time to get over this -- starting over without a doubt." Before the local trio moves on, however, they've an album full of indie-pop to share. Simon and bassist/vocalist Nathan Fish twist their abundant hooks like a Twilight Zone ending, soothing the listener with warm, fuzzy harmonies, then shifting focus to something more akin to art punk. It makes for good library rock, à la Death Cab for Cutie, though "Farmacia," is a garage rock dirge that probably seemed like a nice departure in theory, but comes off as an experiment gone subtly awry on disc. Never mind the excess, because Dueling Devotions glows with fragile moments like "Slow Ride" and "Lies From NY." In these emotional passages, Subset highlights the way bitter thoughts make sweet art. The band captures this best on the opening lines from "What a Model Motto" when Simon declares, "You can frame it anyway, it's still a slap in the face." Your bad day is what you make it, and Subset continues to make it kick.