This is pure pop done unironically. Becca Harvey, AKA girlpuppy, has a knack for finding the simplest way to deliver the maximum pleasure to a listener. Fans of Nineties-era alt-rock mainstays likes The Cardigans, Juliana Hatfield, Veruca Salt, or Letters to Cleo will likely fall in love with Sweetness, like I did.
"I Just Do!" mixes sweet verses, cooing vocals, and a big chorus in a nice blend, while the crunchy hooks of "Champ" are even more invigorating. Harvey's vocals really do recall Julianna's in a lot of places, though this material is distinctive enough as to stand on its own for a new generation of indie-heads. Things take a down-tempo turn on "In My Eyes", a languid slow-burner. The simplicity of the setting is to be commended. This is one of the rare records to take big chunks of inspiration from the alt-rock years without adopting the worst production excesses of the time. Thumbs up to Alex Farrar for a smart, and not overbearing mix.
This is a record that's easy to love. Sweetness is sweet, sure, but it's also smartly rendered. There's not a single misstep on this release, and for a fan of any of the artists I referenced in my opening, there will likely be a point of entry for you to join in with this fab album. If anyone is doing American indie-pop right in 2025, it's girlpuppy.
Sweetness by girlpuppy is out this Friday on Captured Tracks.
[Photo: Tonje Thilesen]