Mike Viola “Electro De Perfecto”

powerpopaholic Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic, Power Pop Review, Top Ten of 2011 Candidate

There are only a handful of musicians who when they release a new album, I buy prior to hearing it. And Mike Viola is one of them, as he’s earned my trust over the years. This is a highly personal album, and like Matthew Sweet he lays it all out there – the questions of middle age, regret and more. In interviews, Mike mentions comparisons to the TV show Breaking Bad, where normal life drama comes from raw emotional moments.

It starts of with “Columbus Day” showing a shift from NYC to LA that took “all my energy” in the building chorus and with cultural touch points dotting the melody. The tone is sunny and catchy on most of the songs like “Get You Back” and even a “bad day for the whipping boy” on “El Mundo De Perfecto” finds the optimistic side of things. “Soundtrack of My Summer” is another Viola gem of an earworm, you won’t be able to shake off.  “Me and My Drinking” has a wonderful bass line and delicate narrative about screwing things up. Lyrically it does get very dark, especially on “Closet Cutter” where you blame “The Beatles and The Rolling Stones” for a lack of success and “Here’s The Rub” where a breakup leads to addiction. Aside the fact that this is all great ear candy, each song is a thoughtful and detailed scenario that requires repeated listens to really appreciate. Ever since Hang On Mike, he’s performed at such a high level, and Electro De Perfecto continues this tradition, don’t miss it.

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El Mundo De Perfecto by Mike Viola

8 thoughts to “Mike Viola “Electro De Perfecto””

  1. Pingback: Mike Viola – Acousto de Perfecto (2012) | exystence
  2. Pingback: Mike Viola “Acousto De Perfecto” | Powerpopholic
  3. Pingback: Mike Viola – Electro De Perfecto (2011) | exystence

    1. This is the first I’ve heard the guy (aside from That Thing ), now I’ll have to dip further into his cltoaag. I love when artists know they have a sound that works for them, and that confidence comes through in the songs.I might threaten to not purchase any music of his until I find out what Closet Cutter is about.Alternating between first and third person, with REALLY detailed, obscure memories, i.e. egg running down the window, I’m guessing it’s either Viola, or someone very close to him.

  4. Hey Aaron, I’ve had this for a couple of weeks now and it’s a real grower. “Here’s the Rub” is my current fave. Viola does, indeed, get better with each release.

  6. This is the first I’ve heard the guy (aside from That Thing…), now I’ll have to dip further into his catalog. I love when artists know they have a sound that works for them, and that confidence comes through in the songs.
    I might threaten to not purchase any music of his until I find out what “Closet Cutter” is about.
    Alternating between first and third person, with REALLY detailed, obscure memories, i.e. egg running down the window, I’m guessing it’s either Viola, or someone very close to him.

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