The Silversun Pickups are definitely a band to watch in 2007. Their debut LP release, Carnavas, which came out last summer provides the proof that these guys are creating something worthwhile which is going to attract fans from across a number of rock and power-pop sub-genres. Their 2005 six song EP release held promise, but they have managed to demonstrate a level of depth and immediacy with Carnavas that helps fuel a push to bring alternative and indie up the inside track to edge past post-punk in the race for the bigger chunk of mainstream popularity.

Some of the influences which jump to the surface upon listening to the album are early Smashing Pumpkins which is reflected in some of the droning rhythm as well as minor chord melodies employed here. Brian Auberts voice also sounds like Billy Corgan's on a number of tracks. There are some distinct flourishes of 'Gish' and 'Siamese Dream' which bubble to the surface throughout various tracks. More broadly the influence of the heavily distorted soundscapes of shoegazers such as My Bloody Valentine are apparent here as well as some of the more refined and structured driving pulse which characterizes the sounds of bands like Catherine Wheel and Ride. Silversun Pickups manage to meld these influences into some tighter song structures which are built more solidly on immediately accessible hooks than anything that any of the Shoegazers could seem to produce consistently. All in all, the sound is modern yet reminiscent of much that brought alternative in the 90's to greatness.

The album opens with the unassuming 'Melatonin' with vocals shared between Aubert and female bassist Nikki Monninger to deliver some fine harmonizing on top of a waterfall of guitar chords giving way to fuzz and distortion.

Once you get past the upbeat and lively "Well Thought Out Twinkies" which is track 2 (because you may feel the need to play it on repeat for a while - or even grab your guitar and try to figure out the simple and effective chord progression) with its heavily grooved recurring intro riff that would feel right on any alt-metal release which gives way to a distinctively melodic and spirited verse which serves as the delivery vehicle for the songs immediate and overwhelming hooks, you can begin to explore the rest of this exceptional release.

"Checkered Floor" which follows is where the dream pop elements start to really gel on this album and the song is hooky enough to eventually dissipate the urge to skip back to track 2 and guide you forward towards the rest of the album.

On “Little Lovers So Polite" Aubert and Monninger share lead vocals again and Monninger also shines through with her bass line.

"Future Foe Scenarios" proceeds from endearing to menacing with a kind of understated urgency which showcases Auberts imagery laden lyrics over top of the songs driving distortion.

Monninger comes in again with an ascending baseline that facilitates the temperamental "Waste It On” while Aubert utilizes his flexible guitar accenting to mesh perfectly with the stretching out on 'Lazy-Eye".

'Rusted Wheel' gets you back into dream pop mode while 'Three Seed' is the ballad of the album.

I have not touched on every song here, and I kept the descriptions brief enough to hopefully leave a lot of room for your own untainted listening experience should you make the effort... an effort that I definitely recommend making if you are someone who holds an appreciation for 90s Brit-pop, Brit-rock, dream pop, power pop, shoegazing, and are ever on the lookout for a band that can just maybe resurrect alternative to the prestige of its heyday (or at least have a lot of fun trying).

Album Release Date : July 26, 2006

Track Listing:

1 Melatonin 4:04
2 Well Thought Out Twinkles 4:02
3 Checkered Floor 4:51
4 Little Lover's So Polite 4:58
5 Future Foe Scenarios 5:20
6 Waste It On 4:13
7 Lazy Eye 5:54
8 Rusted Wheel 6:00
9 Dream at Tempo 119 4:52
10 Three Seed 5:40
11 Common Reactor 6:01

Label: Dangerbird Records

http://dangerbirdrecords.com/



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out