Welcome to something wonderful. Most will know Stephen Egerton from The Descendants and immediately wonder what Hardcore Punk is doing on I Don't Hear A Single. Well, this is nothing like Punk, a heady mix of Indie Rock and Power Pop.
It is a Guitar album, splendidly upbeat, built on big riffs, great solos and killer choruses. The quality of the songwriting, the sheer singalong readiness is a joy. At times, it sounds as if it is from the scene that followed R.E.M.'s explosion, but a much chirpier listen.
Egerton's wife treated him to four days in Abbey Road for his 60th Birthday and he utilised the time to record his debut solo album and it is a true solo album, he plays everything. He decided to use songs that just wouldn't fit The Descendants and how grateful we are.
There is a feel of Bob Mould at times, but a far more melodic Mould. There is a delightful Twang to Stalwart Figure and Roland Grace is a stunning single. The album reveals a lyrical adeptness, never more so on that song which is real storytelling stuff.
The album doesn't come up for air and there is no quality drop among the 10 on show. Bottom Of The Heart's intro hints at something more laidback, but that goes all Electric. The pace throughout is joyous and Effigy even sounds a little Rockpile. I just didn't expect this and I do hope it's not the last time that he visits Power Pop.
You can listen to and buy the album here. You can buy the Vinyl here.
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