Your Academy “#2 Record”
We get it, you love Big Star. Your Academy, the self-declared successor of Memphis power pop, gives us a new album with a solid pedigree that includes former members of The Scruffs, Dwight Twilley’s band, and Crash into June. “Marilu” is a pretty good start, with a solid riff-based gem with handclaps and harmonies layered on top about sexy 80’s TV sitcom star Marilu Henner. Next, “Miss Amphetamine,” is a buzzing power pop gem, that could be easily mistaken for The Well Wishers.
Many songs directly refer to the band Big Star, lyrically and musically, “Our Star,” is about a made-up chat that Alex Chilton had with the ghost of Chris Bell in 1985. “Just a Little Out of Tune” and the excellent “My Near Catastrophe” are standouts. There are no real duds here, and with only ten tracks, there is no filler either, but many songs sound a little too similar. However, repeated listening is essential for this one to appreciate the musical craftsmanship on display. Highly Recommended.
The Trafalgars “About Time”
Rhys Bowkett of the Australian band The Trafalgars says that Sloan, Even, and Rinehearts are some of the bands that have influenced him and that he holds in high regard. All great bands. By doing this, he describes the album’s sound; a mix of catchy power pop with solid guitar work. “Company Time” mines this best, catchy melody with a solid jangling rhythm guitar. They have a seamless blend of nostalgic guitar riffs, echoing the spirit of 1960s London while infusing it with infectious energy. “Davey Parker” is another standout here.
While the lyrics are simple, they suit the material well. Elements of glam (a la Sweet) are in “She’s My Girl,” but songs don’t always stick, for example, “Start Again” feels very repetitive and formulaic. No ballads here also mean that the band has the pedal to the metal, with the same tempo, and it can get a bit tiresome. However, the band does channel the energy well, and fans of retro pop will enjoy it. It’s music that deserves to be heard.
