Edmonton scene-watchers know Jeff Wickstrom from his folky solo outfit Division and Wellesley, but as a man of many hats, he is also the brain trust for the synth-based Junior Bloomsday. Using Wickstrom’s keen ear for ’80s nostalgia and pop hooks, the debut full-length from Junior Bloomsday illustrates just how effective simplicity can be. Using the kind of drum machine loops that interim era Jesus and Mary Chain fans know and love, Nervous Habitats builds on a rock-solid foundation of fuzzed-out bass and low-self-esteem crooning. As the album veers from fiercely driving rockers to tearful tracks fit for a Molly Ringwald slow-dance montage, Wickstrom creates layers of relentless energy, clever wordplay and the occasional hot lick. The result is a powerhouse pop record that proves that even though they don’t make ’em like this anymore, they really should.