Where many modern nu-gazers mimic a single facet from past shoegazer luminaries—be it My Bloody Valentine’s wall of sound, Ride's distorted Rickenbacker jangle, or Slowdive’s over-reverberated guitar string ballet—songs are all too often eschewed for moods. Not so with the NYC quartet Violens. Strip the golden gauze away from their 2012 sophomore album, True, and you’d still have memorable tunes and moving lyrics that take up residence in your head. “Totally True” opens strong, with shimmering guitar delay and Cure-inspired bass played high on the neck. Yet the simple economy of notes sung with androgynous inflections will resonate even with those who've never heard Rain Parade or Pale Saints (though Jorge Elbrecht’s genderless croon sounds like the second coming of Ian Masters). Still, songs like “When to Let Go” borrow from early Primal Scream’s jangle and the haunting ambience of 4AD’s This Mortal Coil collaborations, while still creating new and interesting melodies.