CD reviews: Qty

You almost pity anyone starting a band in New York. But the city's history is more of an asset than a burden to Qty, an intriguing duo on their debut album who expand to a foursome live.

On songs such as Michael, singing guitarist Dan Lardner channels all his deadpan heroes - Lou Reed, Julian Casablancas - while lead guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Niemetz provides just-so solos.

If you are going to be this derivative, you had better be good. Fortunately the pair's observations swerve most cliches, and their sneery city sounds are tempered by indie-leaning boy-girl vocals.

``I want salvation/ Just without any of that God shit,'' they croon almost sweetly on Salvation.