Kevin Bronson on September 27th, 2012

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With last year’s debut EP “Cryptozoology,” L.A. quintet Handshakes displayed a firm grasp on how to make memorable indie-rock – taut songs with sticky melodies, shifting dynamics and agitated guitars. Now Drew Mottinger, Patrick Doyle, Todd Ramsey, Max Hellman and David Irelan are back with another dose. Their “Villains and Crooks” EP will be out later this fall, five songs of post-’90s Nineties that at times recall the indie licks of the Promise Ring, Pinback and Sunny Day Real Estate and the poppy bounce of bands like Weezer and the Rentals. Come for those guitars, stay for the effusive harmonies.

||| Download: “Vacation”

||| Live: Handshakes have a December residency at the Silverlake Lounge, kicking off Dec. 3 with Warships, Black& and the Vapes.