Eugene Oregon's Robbie Phillips is Poppy Robbie and the album opens with one of the finest Attractions Era Costello sounding songs that I have heard in while in Heartbreak Scenario, That is just one of the delights on show here.
From the Jangle Pop of Homesteader to the Americana drawl of Museum Of Dust, not a moment is wasted. Quite Alright is wonderful 12 String Power Pop that gets Pettyesque and Temporary Forever comes in at 6 minutes, part Brinsley Schwarz, part West Coast Outlaw Rock.
There is also a splendid sense of humour in abundance. Songs like Mr Pessimistic, a moody, almost bitter target that broods and the magnificently titled Robert Pollard Trading Card Collection, which as you might expect is very Guided By Voices.
Giving Up The Joneses is part Billy Bragg vibe mixed with a great Indie Pop sound of the 80s. Distracted is even almost a ballad, very Singer Songwriter in feel. The title track is another 6 minute affair, a real storytelling joy with Phillips showing his lyrical adeptness and has a wonderful breakout.
Neighborhood Beautification Commission is great Pop Rock with the emphasis more on Pop. Beautifully written and melodic, the album will be appreciated by IDHAS followers. There is a big Costello feel in the vocal, but this seems in no way deliberate. You can't change the way you sound and the material suits this impressively.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
..........................................
No comments:
Post a Comment