More original, album-defining tunes, however, are the funk-charged “Mr. Crossing Lady” and the super-sexy “Bossa Nova Sunday”. The latter perfectly captures the ambiance of a lazy weekend afternoon in its whirling, mesmerizing groove. Here, the vocals are tantalizing and the flute adds a note of novelty. This is the kind of song that makes you want to listen to the album over and over again just to rediscover it. The production, too, is impeccable and begs to be released on the warm richness of vinyl.

Although New Yorkers, The Contes display a characteristically Austin-style eclecticism previously portrayed only by Texas natives like Storyville and Ugly Americans. “Still Not Dead” carefully controls contrasts, with soft, melodic verses opposing aggressive, guitar-driven choruses. “The Diner Song” exposes the sweet honest vulnerability of a musician’s life on the road. And the slightly spooky “As Sane As Jane” jazzes things up with a click-clack beat and little background whoops and whirls.

Still unsigned to a major label, the Contes are floating at the top of the well of obscurity that plagues most passionate pop-rock acts. No danger of drowning, here, though, they’re just getting their feet wet.