The Summertimes - The Summertimes

 

Here's a great Power Pop album that underlines how enjoyable the genre can be, when done well  Australia's The Summertimes have released their debut album and it also edges towards great Pop Rock, the type that IDHAS followers love, it also provides quite a Jangle.

Formed by songwriters David Beniuk and David Challenger, the duo are joined by Ashley Naylor (Paul Kelly and The Church), Stephen O'Brien (Tumbleweed) and Steve Bull (Icehouse). The result is a beautifully performed, arranged and produced affair ready for your summer holidays.

At times, there is a Crowded House feel, but when songs quicken up, there is more of a Hoodoo Guru's vibe and when they slow things down, they are not a million miles away from The Go-Betweens. Having said all this, the opener Inside sounds more late 60s UK Beat, but could also be a US 90s TV Sitcom feel.

Password is wonderful 90s Not Lame Power Pop, yet My Beautiful Girl Harbour is top notch modern Jangle Pop. Love (It's The Word) jangles too, but far more in a Merseybeat way. White Pointer even comes across as a popped up Americana.

Sky And The Sea is slower and fits UK New Wave well, but also the great Pop Rock of the 70s.  and Athens, GA is more great Jangle, so you'd expect it to be a bit R.E.M, but there is also plenty of early Teenage Fanclub on show. There's also a lovely brass accompaniment towards the end.

The Perfect Wave closes proceedings and rocks things up, Australian Style. With the pace up, the song races along and is much looser than previous songs with a couple of splendid Guitar solos. If you like your Pop Rock, you'll love this. If you are also a Jangle Pop fan, you've hit the jackpot.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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