There's been constant excitement in the Pop Rock world awaiting the debut album from Oscar Lang. The EP and song releases have promised much and the Londoner has hinted at such variety in these releases. This can be really dangerous with expectations too high, we've been fooled by hype many times before.
Thankfully, Chew The Scenery is everything that was expected. 12 songs (plus an Intermission) of great variation, although one foot is always in the Pop Rock, almost Brit Pop camp, there is so much here to tune your ears into, not everything works, but the vast majority does.
The album is at its best when the chipper Summery Pop is at the forefront, but the Psych Pop is also beautifully done. Less successful is the Dance Pop of Yeah and Are You Happy. It does showcase the talent, but ends up sounding a bit too Robbie Williams.
His Piano Pop is great, Write Me A Letter is wonderful, but there does seem to be far more depth when the Guitar is plugged in and at the forefront. Away from this, Final Call is very Verve like, although the piano is splendidly creative and there is a wonderful string break out.
But is the chirpier stuff that stands out most. 21st Century Hobby is a great feel good affair, probably the best thing on the album. Thank You is really uplifting and Stuck fairly races along with its killer chorus. There's also a real Psych break out that adds even more.
I Could Swear has a slight 60's and is a top notch Pop singalong chorus. Headphones is close to Scouse Pop Rock, a real anthem. There really is so much to like here. It is also a real change to hear something slightly celebratory and positive.
You can buy the album here and listen to it everywhere.
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