Too many aspiring indie rockers think all that’s required to make good lo-fi music is an acoustic guitar and the ability to almost carry a tune (and “almost” is a key qualification). In reality, it takes much more than that, and Grace Engine has what it takes. Recorded in New Haven on a “piece of crap” four-track, Sateen Dura-Luxe is 23 tracks of prime no-frills rock. Its minimalism is not gimmicky; rather, the music is self-described “budget rock.”

Grace Engine begins with well-written pop songs ã a key first step that’s often overlooked by garage rockers ã before augmenting them with precisely placed noise. “Buenos Aires,” for example begins with a gentle melody that is soon pummeled with distorted pseudo-percussion. It’s an approach that works well on songs that often display a witty Luddite paranoia, professing a fear of technology while utilizing it to wonderful effect. Imagine a tremendously economical version of Radiohead. Sateen Dura-Luxe is available direct by emailing hutchbiz@hotmail.com.