It's Karma It's Cool - Thrift Store Troubadours

 

I seem to have a realisation of what I used to do today, a bit of nostalgia trip. Firstly, I was reminded how great Power Pop can be with the excellent album for The Rallies. Now I'm reminded of the ASH days with It's Karma It's Cool's Jim Styring and later tonight, there is a special Back To The Future 10 Songs Mix.

I don't need to go into my past relationship with Jim as it is mentioned in the two album reviews on here. Woke Up In Hollywood is here and Homesick For Our Future Destinations is here. Both albums were in the respective Best Of Year Lists.

It does warrant mentioning how far Styring has come from the Popdogs CDR EP. It is also vital to mention that this is a quartet and the contribution of Martyn Berwick (Guitar), Mikey Barraclough (Bass) and Danny Krash on Drums. Berwick is also the producer and that production is the stand out here.

Homesick For Our Future Destinations is a great album, but it is a little dark at times, maybe due to the times in which it was recorded. Thrift Store Troubadours is more in line with the swagger and chipperness of the albums that came before 2021. 

The band's sound is hard to denote. I suppose you might choose Classic Rock, but that wouldn't count for the Pop Rock and Psych Pop. Indeed Ghosts Wear Jeans even sounds like great American Rock, not bad for a band from Lincoln and there is a pure UK Glam Rock solo that warmed my heart. That solo could easily fit on The Hoople album.

IKIC have always been known for big opening tracks and How Be You Be Blue doesn't disappoint. It starts all Psych, but morphs into a middle section that is part 70s Pop Rock, part Prog whilst remaining incredibly melodic. Berwick's solo is again jaw dropping.

Old Bones might still be favourite song, nine months on from its single release, it is Melodic Rock at its very best with a killer chorus. Jenni, We're All Fighting Wars borders on Folk, with a great double tracked verse vocal and a great additional female vocal from Gabby Porter.

Broken Heart Foundations is ace Power Pop, The Terms Of Letting Go is beautifully laid back and Vacations In A Taxi Cab is wonderful 60s UK Beat Pop. Roll The Credits reminds me again of the Mental As Anything comparison, but also swings.

The best may be saved until last. City Kids reminds me of how great the band are with an Epic. It is an incredibly jaunty, a little Indy Pop at times, but suddenly bursts into a big slab of Pop Rock. The song is ambitious, but the time absolutely flies by, you are gripped. It is splendidly arranged. 

Peter Holsapple is also on three songs which adds to the excitement. But this is a band at the very top of its game. I'm not even sure that Pop Rock even deserves an album of this quality. Well done You Four! Higher than Highly Recommended!

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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