When you hear about a band called Microwave Miracles what comes to mind? What is the first thing you think of? For me, words like “disposable,” “non-biodegradable” and “wasteful” come to mind. Microwave popcorn, frozen dinners, single-serving mac and cheese – these are things I think of when I hear Microwave Miracles. So when I find out that Microwave Miracles debut album is called The World Is a Trash Can, I feel kind of vindicated. Once you hit play on Microwave Miracles’ debut album, you step into a world of kitschy keyboards, bizarre lyrics and lots and lots of references to trash. If you can’t appreciate the works of John Waters, Daniel Johnston, David Lynch and airport lounge music, you may want to keep walking. More adventurous listeners may find something shiny in Microwave Miracles’ trash can. “The world is a trash can / and God is the trash man / and I am just a tiny piece of trash” is the first line greeting listeners on album opener “The World Is A Trash Can.” Musically the song is a tapestry of preset sounds you’d find on that dusty Casio in your grandma’s back room, along with some acoustic strumming and vocals that sound as if they’re emanating from a grain silo. “Garbage Day” and it’s protagonist sings “I wanna be your trash, baby / I wanna be your trash / ’cause if I was your trash, you’d take me out tonight.” Elsewhere “The Brain Is Dead” sounds like it was recorded in the bathroom while our trash man snacks on potato chips. Exciting stuff. “Don’t Leave Me At Bed, Bath, And Beyond” is an ode to not being left at, well, Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Hidden under all the Mondo Trasho vibe and disposable society worldview, Microwave Miracles can sometimes come across as sweetly twisted pop music. There’s a simplistic beauty in songs like “Trying to Fall in Love with Loneliness,” “I Am Your Moon” and “Lemon Scented Candles.” Despite all the antiquated instrumentation and trash man stories, you can’t hide the genuine knack Microwave Miracles’ Jared Andrews and Dani House have for writing a catchy tune.

If lo fi sounds, old school keyboards, and fetishizing trash men are your bag, check out Microwave Miracles’ The World Is a Trash Can. If you’re feeling feverish and clammy, give this album a listen as well. It may make a lot more sense.