Louise Burns, Mellow Drama.

There are some heavy sounds on this 12-song album—massive drums and guitars on “Paper Cup,” a soaring snarl on “Burning Bridges”—but there are also demure chansons like the back-to-back “Island Vacation” and “Sea Song,” and old-fashioned pop exercises such as “Street Walking” and “Teen Angst.” It all comes together on “Drop Names Not Bombs,” a witty, wordy musing on one’s place in the world, underscored with tinkly piano and mostly propelled by Burns’ expressive, clear and vibrant vocals. Neither self-absorbed or particularly peaceful, “Drop Names Not Bombs” is a busily beautiful slice of life philosophy.