The Airport 77s - Rotation

 

Hailing from Silver Spring in Maryland, The Airport 77s are unashamedly New Wave Power Pop, sounding equally British and American, but without ever seeming to be a tribute band. The trio know and love the genre, as many of us do, but these are original songs lovingly made and beautifully played.

Named after the disaster movie, I thought immediately of The Motors, there's some great variety here without ever losing sight of what the band are about. Where it is easy to compare the songs to other bands (and I do), this should only be a guideline to the feel of the song because each stands alone. 

Christine's Coming is very New Wave, think The Jags and Wild Love is Chinn and Chapman Glam Rock. Bad Mom! is very US New Wave and Make It Happen is in the territory of The Beat and The Romantics, even 20/20. 

Shannon Speaks has a sort of London's Calling riff and All The Way is classic Boy Meets Girl Power Pop. The stand out song is (When You're Kissing On Me Do You Think Of) James McAvoy, a killer 3 minutes of wit and great writing. All the hooks land well. 

There's one cover song present and Bram Tchaikovsky's Girl Of My Dreams is a perfect choice. One of my and many others favourite Power Pop songs is done in a less earthy, slightly more Poppy style which works wonderfully well.

Rotation is a fine companion in these darker times. A reminder to people of a certain age how great New Wave Pop was, but also a chance for younger generations to discover how much fun Guitar Pop can be and drag a younger audience to the delights of such.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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