Pleasure Line
Winspear, 2020
8/10
A New Orleans outfit spearheaded by Ross Farbe and Ray Micarelli, Video Age’s 3rd album is very much indebted to the pop of the ‘80s, where synth is used lavishly, as a more optimistic approach is taken versus their earlier albums.
The title track starts with ‘80s shimmering synth with some New Age appeal in the quirky approach that’s quite romantic, and “Maybe Just Once’ continues the setting with plenty of syrupy sweet melody in the throwback fun that just might make you want to dig out your roller skates.
With 10 tracks present, the band don’t stray too far from their formula, thankfully, and offer the percussively strong, futuristic and eloquent “Comic Relief”, while the warbly sounds and unique progression of “Sweet Marie” adds variety to the listen with some ‘70s soft-rock ideas, too. “That Can’t Be”, one of the album’s best, then finds all sorts of grooves to reside in, which draws the listener in immediately.
Deeper cuts bring us “Meet Me In My Heart”, which includes some of the best singing on the record, and “Good To Be Back” exits the listen upbeat and frisky with some experimental playfulness to cap off the retro festivities.
It’s not hard to imagine Video Age soundtracking your favorite ‘80s movie with their electronic, funk and disco nods, and for anyone who grew up during the decade or who just appreciates the simpler moments of pop, Pleasure Line should be mandatory listening.
Travels well with: Misty Moon- Nu-Moon; Adrian Knight- Vacation Man