SOFTJAW - SOFTJAW

 

I reviewed Softjaw's 2024 EP and now the splendid Dandy Boy Records label has gotten hold it for a Physical release and made it into an album by adding four songs. It is an essential listen for you Power Pop kids.

The Longbeach quartet have more than enough in common with the new breed of the genre, but primarily this will appeal to lovers of 70s Power Pop. Having said that, there is a lot of UK New Wave in these recordings.

Those five EP songs sound just as great as they did then and I've embedded the 2 songs that I chose then. But the two singles that are added are exemplary, particularly Underground Lover, which may very well be the best listen on here.

There are two covers and these coincidentally are two of my favourite songs from two of my favourite bands. The Nerves' Working Too Hard is a Power Pop classic written by Paul Collins and Playing Bogart, written by 23 Jewel's Nick Simpson.

Playing Bogart is more noted as a song from Any Trouble's debut album and Mick did an exhaustive interview with Clive Gregson here. This self titled debut album is an absolute joy. Big choruses, great riffs and pure energy.

The future of Power Pop is in safe hands, indeed the genre is as popular as it as ever been. Guitar Pop joy should be mandatory for all. The Vinyl album is available to buy from Dandy Boy in the Us and from Bachelor Records in Europe.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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Softjaw - Softjaw EP

 

Longbeach's Softjaw offer up 5 great Power Pop songs on their self titled EP. More Old School than the new noisier breed, which is in its own way refreshing to hear something more classic as this style seems unreasonably neglected.

Waiting At The End is wonderfully Merseybeat, whilst Dragging My Feet edges more towards the 90s revival without losing any of the charm that oozes from the recordings. Pleased With Me mixes 70s Pop Rock with Glam Rock overtones, all delivered at a fine pace.

Yet Sleepy Eyes gets far more UK New Wave and gets it spot on with a corking Riff. Don't Go Walking Out again is slightly 60s, but this time mixed with a slightly Slacker feel. The EP is exactly what Power Pop should do, bring Joy.

Incredibly melodic and harmony led, all the pre-requisites are here. big choruses, great riffs and allowing singalongs at will. It is often forgotten, just how life affirming Power Pop can be, Softjaw remind us and do it incredibly well.

You can listen to and buy the EP here. 

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