If bands ever take pleasure in the idea of slipping away from definition, then The Elwins out of Toronto may have a reason for their good-natured new album, their debut full-length And I Thank You. Keeping their retro garage rock sound alive, the record is refreshingly old-fashioned, a further triumph given that the band is releasing the album independently.

The band's simple, sweet sound is apparent from the very beginning of "Come On Out," the album opener. Its bright 1960s sound ringing brightly gives way to the smooth tropic psychedelic rock of "Behind My Eyes," a wistful song that will make your ears think that spring has returned.

Music geeks everywhere will love the record with its nuggets of texture and style. Take the Motown bassline opening to "Forgetful Assistance," the beautiful doo-wop guitar work in "On Your Doorstep" or even "Propinquity," a song as endearing as a love note set to words.

And I Thank You is a fast listen, its 10 tracks clocking in total under 30 minutes. Rather than sell the band short, it serves the material very well, invoking the thought of the record playing on tabletop jukeboxes in malt shops.

Being so themed, one could conceive that the record would grow tiresome quickly; the album will sadly not appeal to all audiences, but anyone who cares enough to listen will surely appreciate it in the way it deserves.

And I Thank You will be released here in Canada on February 21. For more information or to order a copy, visit the band at theelwins.ca.