The Popguns are such a jewel. I feel like this EP should be getting worldwide hit buzz, because every song here is exciting, fresh, bright, thought provoking and essential. Pretty much every year, like so many others, I make a list of my favorite albums – or most listened to albums. This is a four song EP that clocks in at less than twelve minutes, but it is easily my most listened to release this year. Every single time I put it on the player, I listen to it at least twice, if not three or four times. Talk about leaving an audience wanting more.
“Caesar,” has a yearning chorus that is so goddamn pretty that it sends shivers down my spine. Wendy Pickles’ mellifluous voice continues to be so charming that it took me several listens before I realized that she’s singing about the irreversible damages of climate change brought on by short-sighted greed. Of course, this sobering message is delivered inside a brilliant and beautiful package.
Similarly, “Dirty London” takes a glance at monuments marking England’s far reaching history of Imperialism and weighs the pros and cons of the privileges earned from some disturbing history (“Now you see / how the hurt is just a page of history / how the end will justify the means”). It’s a heavy subject that is delivered with a wicked combination of grinding bass and scratchy guitar stabs.
“Red Cocoon” comes on as a breezy love song. Sparks flying between a pair out on an all-night bender? It’s funny, because this song could easily be the feature song with its bouncy bass and suburb guitar leads, but it’s not!
This all too brief EP closes with a fun punky anthem named “Indie Rock Goddess.” Talk about leaving us wanting more! This song abruptly ends just before it reaches two minutes, yet it’s pounding beat and Wendy’s commanding vocal will definitely imprint itself into your consciousness.
It’s wonderful to have the Popguns as our wonderful little indie pop secret, but I feel like they should be one of those bands that get much higher recognition. I feel like we’re taking them for granted. Please check them out.
No comments:
Post a Comment