We have been waiting for the debut from local duo Walter Meego for forever. Seriously. We've seen them on "next big thing" lists for at least the last two years -- and believe us, they belong on those lists -- but only now can folks who haven't seen them live finally get what the buzz is all about.

Voyager is one hell of a first album. It's slinky, sexy guitar and synthesizer lines kiss and cuddle with each other, while the underlying beats seem destined to unleash a whole new class of freaky line-dancers getting ready to make babies. Their urbane, sophisticated delivery gives off images of disco balls, DeLoreans, glow sticks and day-long lollipops. The dreamy opener "Forever" sounds like a prom theme from an episode of Max Headroom, and the sure-to-be-a-breakout-hit "Girls" swoops in and dive-bombs the dance floor. And it doesn't let up as the album delivers tasty cut after lip-smackingly tasty cut. We're not saying listening to the album will lend you a sheen of instant cool, but it certainly ain't going to hurt your chances of being mistaken for one of the folks in the know.

Plus, it's just one hell of a fun listen.

Voyager comes out May 27 and Walter Meego plays The Abbey on May 30.

Photo by Clayton Hauck