There’s a lot to like about local quartet the Autumn Stones’ second full-length. From the shimmy-shake of the New Wave–inspired Time Is A River to the Cure-ish, rollicking In With The Out Crowd, its palpable 80s vibe would suit fans of a certain age and mindset. 

Which isn’t to say anyone born in the last two decades also wouldn’t be taken by lead singer Ciaran Megahey’s soft, charming vocals, or the consistently infectious horns featured throughout. But Escapists hearkens back to a more insular time it’s the kind of record that demands full attention and best suits a solitary Saturday afternoon. 

The tracks aren’t rife with peaks and valleys. Instead, they move at a delightfully languid pace and continue, often repetitively, past the final chorus. The lackadaisical Sweet Libertine has enjoyable sway, but the horn-heavy Ooh La La plods along without much focus. Like most of the record, it has its place. And it’s a pleasant place to be. 

Top track: Time Is A River

The Autumn Stones play the Horseshoe Wednesday (September 9).