Weezer Are in Their Golden Age
With their new album, Gold, will Weezer’s conscious uncoupling from technology’s crutches signal a less precise, perhaps less pop, sound?
power pop
Cheekface Get a Little Funky and a Bit Angry on ‘Podium’
Cheekface’s oddball point of view is a big draw, but their willingness to turn their sardonicism toward current events is a good way for them to meet the moment.
Weird Nightmare’s Power Pop Is Hard-Rocking and Catchy
Weird Nightmare’s take on classic power pop is hard-rocking and catchy, but the songwriting is rarely distinct enough to rise above the level of pastiche.
They Might Be Giants Are As Delightfully Weird As Ever
They Might Be Giants produce banger tracks, some really weird, very successful experiments, and another handful of songs where listeners’ mileage may vary.
Marc Valentine Goes Full Britpop with Muscular Confidence
Marc Valentine creates an ebullient and concise album. The buzzsaw hooks hit their intended goals; the vocal leaps are concrete and aspirational.
Fame Is the New Muse of 5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer add a new dimension to their reliable pop-punk formula by analyzing their own fame on Everyone’s a Star.
Lemonheads’ Evan Dando Authors His Addictive Hooks
Lemonhead Evan Dando’s long-awaited memoir is an engaging, sometimes harrowing, trip through the 1990s alternative rock boom.
The Lemonheads’ Songcraft Is Intact on ‘Love Chant’
The Lemonheads’ Evan Dando returns with his first collection of originals in quite some time, adding country and psychedelia to the mix.
Sloan’s ‘Based on the Best Seller’ Is Relaxed and Poppy
Catchy melodies and big guitars are the order of the day on Sloan’s 14th album, with a side of Chris Murph’s jauntier piano-driven songs to change things up.
The New Pornographers’ ‘Twin Cinema’ Is Still Captivating 20 Years Later
The New Pornographers took their power pop to another level on Twin Cinema, with Carl Newman’s impeccable songwriting and all three vocalists dialed in.
Courtney Love Ate My Pasta
If we need an example of someone who embodies strength and vulnerability as non-dual, Courtney Love rules. She will also eat your pasta and not give a fuck.
The Beths Level Up Again with Their Excellent New Record
The Beths’ Straight Line Was a Lie is full of catchy hooks, big guitar riffs, and often introspective lyrics. The New Zealand quartet are at the top of their game.