Merseybeat aficionados will be on cloud nine with this new release. Using the classic instruments of the great Merseybeat era (6 and 12 string Rickenbacker guitars with some acoustic guitar in for flavoring) and utilizing classic Mersey recording styles (double tracked vocals, a clean guitar sound, two part harmonies, plenty of backround “oohs and aahs,” with echoing vocal effects). The brainchild of brothers, Joe and John Nowik and lead guitarist Hugh Murphy, “Real Pop” is chock full of catchy melodies, along the lines of The Wonders (from the movie “That Thing You Do”), The Rubinoos, and Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas. The songs are basic sixties teen angst about girls that remind me of those early Jan & Dean singles. For fans of those early-era Beatles bands (The Fore, The Offbeat) this will be a welcome addition to your collection. The CD label even lists the facts: 100% Rickenbackers, Hooks & Melodies – 0% long guitar or drum solos. The issue I have here is the sound is a bit too derivative and with the massive amount of tracks (17), none of them really standout much. Tracks seem to blend together here, and the tinny production keeps every sound (vocals, guitars, drums) at a flat EQ curve. The music is also pretty much at the same fast tempo for every song as well. However, if you enjoy the pre–Spector British sound then this is right up your alley. And you have to give props to Joe Nowik and crew for period accuracy, so let your inner-Beatle fan enjoy this one.
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