Goddammit, I've apparently been wasting precious time listening to bands that have been trying to sound like New Jersey whiz kids The Big Drops. The band cuts a big swath of atmosphere that reverberates off of itself as it swirls and whirls approaching a controlled infinity. The band's new album, "Time, Color," is sweetly psychedelic, 1950's-style boppy, and atmospherically poetic. There's plenty of soul with an indirect nod to bands like The Style Council and The Strokes. It's catchy as hell. Somewhere Joe Henry is smiling.

The Big Drops plays Saturday, November 4, at Photo City Improv, 543 Atlantic Avenue. 8 p.m. $8. facebook.com/photocityimprovcomedyclub; thebigdrops.com.