Cranky Pillows

These guys overwhelmed me with talent similar to the way The Race did a couple years ago. A variety of sounds, all very good. The tracks I selected are the standouts in my opinion. “Jump In the Pool” is an excellent way to start the album, high energy and a rush of cool, refreshing air. Extremely catchy. “Paris” is not necessarily one of my favorites, but it’s one of the stronger tracks for sure. Beneath the dance beat, there’s a feel of taxi backseat riding montage, watching the buildings pass in a bustling city. “White Diamonds” did not start off as a favorite, but it’s in the top 3 after a handful of listens. I found the country/cowboy guitar twang in the intro to be abrasive, but once past it, you can hear the strength of his voice, from the kind you’d want singing softly in your ear, to the kind you want to sing along emphatically to. Then we slow down for the dreamy “Strobe.” It’s easy to imagine a club with thick fog and the flickering strobe light, someone emerging you didn’t expect to see, but in a good way. “Lovesick” is a definite favorite, another fine example of his vocal abilities, knowing exactly when to sing a little breathy and when to belt it out. My last pick is “Ex Lover,” which reminds me a fair amount of some 80’s British pop or new wave song I can’t put my finger on. It’s enjoyable and I don’t think I’ve much else to say about it.