I guess I haven’t been keeping tabs on the garage rock, post-punk scene but the first I heard of the French Kicks was hearing the song embedded in my friend’s MySpace page. I know, stop harassing me. I took a listen to their sophmore album, “Swimming,” and I like what I am hearing. For a band that was influenced by the hardcore scene, the quartet produces some subdued music with a cool sound that is not overproduced. (Ed note: I went all the way to New Jersey to see them last year. New Jersey, people! -H) This album was produced and mixed entirely by the band and is said to be their most melodic work. I especially like the spotlighting they do on specific instruments, like the drums in the track “Over the World.” I think this album definitely earns a coveted spot in my car’s CD changer. The album releases exclusively through iTunes on April 1st and will be in stores on May 20th.