Longtime power pop favorites, the Dipsomaniacs have released their 6th album, and like your favorite comfort food, it’ll bring you warm feelings inside. Chief Dipsomaniac Mick Chorba leads the band through a nice pop set, with less garage elements, but the DIY spirit in the music lives on. The opener “Together We Can Rule the World” is sure fire hit single, with a hook filled chorus and those ever present guitar riffs, that Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) would be proud of. “Drop Your Guitar” carries on with a workman-like effort along the lines of The Who and Cheap Trick. “Blame it On The Gin” sets up a quirky rhythm, much like Camper Van Beethoven. “Not Waiting Around” is another highlight, sounding a little like Tommy Keene, with a polished rock sound and a superb arrangement. These songs are mostly short and sweet, and thus a lot of fun to listen to. “Wake Up Sue” is a punchy guitar tune with a foolproof riff and “Kids On Base” shows how well the band can put together an interesting story about bored army brats. Every song shines here, and no filler is to be found, even the quirky country mid tempo “Loretta After All” about a band saw wielding psycho girlfriend has a certain funny charm you can’t ignore. The sweet melodies continue with “Wait and See” and the excellent finale of “Halo Around You.” I have listened to this band grow over the years, and Chorba seems to get better and better, and I see him emerge from the shadow of those Paul Westerberg comparisons on earlier albums. A perfect entry point if you’ve never heard them before – without a doubt, recommended for power pop lovers.
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