Things That Go Pop - LP

Things That Go Pop
ST
©2005 Self Released

(out of 5)

I sum up this first full-length CD from Things That Go Pop in a phrase: An infectious confection of danceable guitar and electronic pop. And what's so bad about that if it sounds this good? It's a revolutionary concept that has seemed to escape popular commercial radio - good music with thoughtful lyrics. There's probably something wrong with you if you listen to Things That Go Pop and aren't moving some part of your anatomy - if you're able. I'm not ashamed to admit, I danced in my "office" for a good 20 minutes - nearly half the length of this album. But it's just not the synthesizer & drum-driven beats that will get to you. Listen to the musicianship and harmony of guitar, keyboard, and the solid songwriting, and you've got one great indie pop/rock record to rotate in your stereo. There are 4 members in this band, and three share lead vocal duties. You would think this would confound the listener, but it only makes the CD worth listening to even more.

My last CD review was a bit long, so I won't bore you with a track by track detail. That's about as exciting as detailled billing for your cell phone. Here are highlights instead: A strong team (or is it teen) spirit song, "Teenage Plastic" introduces us to the dance party vibe that is sustained through most of the album. It also makes you aware that they do make a fuss about the lyrics. Yes, it's sweet electronic dance pop, but there's a little medicine in it. The follow-up "Bright Colors" is a definite trip, with loopy synth and catchy beat. I was on my feet dancing to the beat then. My personal favorites were "Backbeat Testament" and "Lorraine", for completely offbeat reasons. It reminded me of the old new wave music from the 1980s, with smarter electronica. The kids would probably call this Smart Pop or something like that. I'm dating myself, but the latter track reminded me of The Romantics hit "Talking In Your Sleep". Just a bit. The vocals were earnest and slightly awkward, to good effect."Backbeat" is about the sinful(?) seduction of a dancebeat. Some of the songs are not danceable, which makes a good mix. A good example? "She's Too Sexy". It's lo-fi, low key indie pop with honest lyrics and earnest delivery. It's almost sexy. There weren't really any duds, but one track, "Reason 2 H8 U" was somewhat redundant with the drum & synth combo. However, the guitar and vocals were excellent. The last track completely surprised me, in a good way. It may not be the case for some listeners, but the title alone had my attention - "Love Song for The Revolutionary". It was like coming down from a dance high. A serious song that indicated the end of the party. And like every party, every good CD must come to an end.

~ diy-danna

DJ Request Picks: "Bright Colors", "Backbeat Testament", "Lorraine", "She's Too Sexy", "Rock & Roll Leisure Class", "So Nouveau".

A revised printed version of this review will be available in INsite Magazine's Back-2-School issue, on stands September 2, 2005. Used by permission ©2005 diy-danna publishing, inc.


Things That Go Pop are:
Jared Kolarik - Hyper Vocals, Guitar, Roland SH101
Josh Batschelet - Heavy Vocals, Bass, Roland MC-09
Andy Klier - Moody Vocals, Reason2 - Computer/Keys, Guitar
Jeremy Ridge- Keeper of Rhythm (Drums)

Listen to the band @ MySpace: myspace.com/thingsthatgopop.
Official web site: www.thingsthatgopop.com

CD Available at Waterloo Records August 30, 2005.