There are usually too many power pop bands around. However, among the chancers are those who do this form right. And Long Beach rockers Softjaw know exactly what they are doing.
Their self-titled debut is a rush of energy. The album is full of hooks in debt to early Cheap Trick and Shoes records. Heck, there's even a cover of a song by The Beat (the Paul Collins one, not the Dave Wakeling one). "Pleased with Me" is 1979 vibes in a quick set of hooks, while the more complex "Don't Go Walking Out" is catchy but also a bit lyrical. Softjaw add heart to the crunch here, and it's a lesson they've learned from Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen. "Waiting at the End" has a Raspberries-inspired hook, while "Dragging My Feet" has a little 20/20 thing about it.
While it's clear that the members of Softjaw have great record collections, it's also apparent that they've managed to take those obvious influences and make music which is distinctive. Softjaw is pure listening joy, and it's hard to find fault with anything here. Tastes change, and new styles come around, but power pop is, when done right, consistently pleasing. And this one sure pleases!
Softjaw by Softjaw is out on April 1 via Dandy Boy Records. Details below.
[Photo: Dandy Boy Records]