Lovers' Carolyn Berk is a sharp young songwriter who started her career as an acoustic troubadour. Lovers’ seventh album (and their second as a trio), A Friend in the World follows up the shift of 2010’s Darklight toward minimalist electronica. Bright beats from percussionist Emily Kingan and cheery pop-synth lines from keyboardist/programmer Kerby Ferris accompany Berk’s lyrical ambitions. “Tiger Square” opens, pleading for love to overcome the daily obstacles that frustrate and short-circuit the better things in life. “Girl in the Grass” has all the potential of a modern new wave hit with a hook so strong someone could get hurt. “Oh Yeah” goes further and suggests that maybe the band should take over the dance floor with more elliptical, minimalist pop. There’s so much wishing for love here—coming from such a likably quirky songwriter—that hugs and laughter seem the only appropriate response. “Hey, my beautiful friend, do you remember the Internet?/I don’t remember the Internet at last,” sings Berk, lying through her teeth but knowing it makes for better romance.