We Are Scientists Add 1980s Synths to Their Power Pop on ‘Lobes’
We Are Scientists’ Lobes is notable for building its songs specifically around keyboard lines and exploration of 1980s-style synth tones.
power pop
Bird Streets’ ‘Lagoon’ Delivers Melancholic Pop Pleasure
The aesthetic sensibility of Bird Street’s Lagoon is the urbane, soundtrack-ready, slightly melancholic popcraft ushered into the world by Club Largo.
Jonn Penney on Ned’s Atomic Dustbin’s Pulse-Pounding Mad-sterpiece at 30
It’s difficult to describe the adrenal-gland rush Ned’s Atomic Dustbin’s Are You Normal? still provides 30 years later – like a WWII fighter strafing helpless civilians below.
The Promise Ring’s ‘Nothing Feels Good’ Built the Bridge Between Emo and Indie Rock
The Promise Ring’s Nothing Feels Good became one of the first emo records to break through on college radio, paving the way for the next wave of 2000s emo.
20 Years Ago OK Go Debuted With an Underappreciated Power-pop Gem
After 20 years, it’s clear that OK Go’s most complete album is their self-titled debut which combines a penchant for big hooks and a love for big guitars.
Mo Troper Releases Another Album of Scuzzy Power Pop
Mo Troper collects what sounds like scraps from his previous album and forges a charming spread of 1960s-inspired lo-fi bedroom pop on MTV.
Justin Roberts Goes Power Pop for the “Kindie” Set on ‘Space Cadet’
Never indulgent and always disarming, Justin Roberts’ Space Cadet is a fun little power-pop journey for children that will entertain everyone.
The Lickerish Quartet’s ‘Threesome Vol. 3’ Is a Bubblegum/Power-Pop Confection
The Lickerish Quartet’s Threesome trilogy suffers from all the genre’s shortcomings, but the devoted bubblegum/power-pop demographic will absolutely eat these records up.
Young Guv Veer a Bit Off Course on ‘GUV IV’
Compared to March’s golden Guv III by Young Guv, the tandem release Guv IV abandons Ben Cook’s Byrdsian roots and represents a squandered opportunity.
Jukebox the Ghost Get Silly with Audience on ‘Cheers!’ Tour
While Jukebox the Ghost debuted songs from new record Cheers! on tour, the New Haven show really belonged to someone named Steve.
‘Cheers’ to Another Excellent Jukebox the Ghost Record
Cheers nicely balances new sonic wrinkles with Jukebox the Ghost’s established strengths. It’s smartly constructed and one of their best albums.
Anton Barbeau Records the Sound of His Brain on Power Pop!!!
Anton Barbeau talks about how he is obsessed with sound and the emotion it carries, but it isn’t the sound of power pop that runs through his brain.
