The Pauses' (who prefer that their possessive noun-ing be spelled Pauseses) overall sound is one anchored in complexion and combination, a world where guitars are BFFs with synthesizers, horns, bells, and ukuleles. Tierney Tough's bright, fresh voice glides just as easily atop the breathy sparkle and agile math of Rock Band track "Go North" as it does the indie-pop sway and post-hardcore torque of "Beyond Bianca." From the serious, atmospheric mood of "The Migration" and "Pull the Pin" to the lithe, glitchy charm of "Hands Up". The Pauses got mad range, often in the same song. Rooted in the dynamics and ethos of '90s indie rock, their sound is a balancing act between rock and electronics, airiness and heft, suppleness and angularity. And their debut album, "A Cautionary Tale" (produced by J. Robbins of Jawbox and Burning Airlines) shows that you can explore without losing your core.