The band Ensimismada take their name from the Spanish word "ensimismar," which means both "to become absorbed in thought" and "to be proud, be boastful." Their new release X&O, however, is not boastful in any way: instead, it's crisp, compact and cleverly constructed.

Ensimismada features Julia Jarcho '03, Harry Kimball '03 and Zeke Reich '03, along with Stanford sophomore Michael Frank. The band, then named Quill, was formed during the members' high school days in New York City in the summer of 1997. X&O is the third album released by Ensimismada, following 1998's Dam! A Semi-Sin, and 1999's self-titled Ensimismada EP. At just under 15 minutes of music, X&O is pleasing to the ear, combining a steady drum/bass/guitar sound with the vocals of Frank, Kimball and Jarcho. In general, the lyrics flow together well: while some appear more meaningful than others, most have a playful, conversational tone as opposed to any deep emotional pathos.

The catchy title track, which opens the album, features the great chorus "And I've begun to hate the ceiling like I never loved the sky." The second track, "Taunt," a high-speed tune with only a few words, is more of a playful number. The epic "Daughter of the American Revolution" rounds off the album's quartet of songs. Throughout the album, Ensimismada remain listenable, without the off-the-wall sounds or unintelligible lyrics that affect too many student bands. B+ -Erik A. Beach