A few years ago, Pop Rock albums such as this were a regular thing. There were many comparisons to the likes of Crowded House and Squeeze as new bands served up melodic enjoyable albums that demanded that you sing along to the chorus.
Secret Molecules are a Dutch trio and their debut is as good, if not better than any of those past albums. Not only they do they remind you at times of the two aforementioned bands, but they add both an American 90s, almost Power Pop sound and 70s UK Pop Rock that were about albums not singles.
For instance, I Don't Wanna Go Back is classic West Coast twanging Rock, think early Eagles and Don't You Know Me Truly is classic UK late 70s New Wave. This Is Our Lost Summer is ace Power Pop and Foreign Places is a sped up joy that could be an American TV Sit Com theme.
Your Sunshine verges on Country Rock, but has a mesmerising Jangle, yet Accidentally Meet is jaunty 90s Glasgow Guitar Pop. Tiger Blue goes even further back towards 60s UK Beat, even Merseybeat and Can You See Me Running is a fine Pub Rock ballad.
There are some real stand outs too. On The TV Screen adds a wonderful Hammond Organ and a killer Guitar Riff, Love Is Where I Stand really rocks things up with a splendid cross between New Wave and R and B, very 1979. Letting Go Again reminds me a lot of the much missed Will Owsley with a wordy, unexpected lyrical rhythm.
This is a fine debut, chock full of songs about Love with big memorable choruses. 15 songs may be a tad too many for a debut, but every single one hits the spot. Beautifully produced, lovingly sung and played, there is so much to like. A top notch start to what is hopefully a long career.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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Spot-on review of a brilliant album.
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