The biography for unsigned New York-based quartet Julius C reads like the quintessential American success story: college guys get together to jam, experience soul-shattering breakups, form a band, take time apart, then reunite to write, record, and create an amazing album. All without a manager or a label.

The effect of all that time and hard work is a self-released album, OK, OK. that perfectly blends 70s funk and indie rock. Think the funky, upbeat instrumentation of KC and the Sunshine Band meets the velvety smooth vocals of Jamiroquai.

Practically every track on OK, OK. is supplemented with instrumentals not often heard in modern-day pop, like trumpet blasts in “Don’t Want Anybody” and jazzy piano riffs in “I Hope You Know.” The energy level and toe-tapping beats stay consistently high through all ten tracks.

Julius C has also perfected smartly-written lyrics, yet another rarity in pop music. The band takes clichéd love songs and turns of phrases on their heads into something fresh and fun. In “My Broken Heart,” vocalist Jay Stolar begs an old lover to “Take my broken heart, please / Turn it to a dance beat.” The tongue stays firmly in cheek for “You & Me,” a laundry list of clichés—“You can practice to make perfect / but Murphy knows it ends in disaster”—that make the song’s breakup message all the more pointed: “I’ve got to get away / from me and you.” Touche.

Conclusion: The perfect soundtrack for your next house party.