If the jumpy, quasi-post-punk rhythms of Franz Ferdinand were just two shades more pure, they'd line up with this frenetic art-punk group's. Which means, conversely, that Shedad is only a couple moves away from indie-rock glory. But those are key degrees, packed with surly vocals and autocratic riffs, and these folks seem perfectly (dis)content in their current spot.
The Hal Al Shedad explores the darkness through six-stringed fireworks and time signature multiplication tables. Their taut art punk sounds familiar even as it takes you into uncharted territories.