Thank you, Valued Customer
Big Stir, 2023
9/10
Listen to Thank you, Valued Customer
The 6th album from LA guitar pop luminaries Shplang, the duo of Peter Marston and John Krause welcome plenty of guests for this exciting, psyche-pop influenced rock.
The crisp and groove filled “Keep It Hot” opens with Marston’s vocals, rhythm guitar, bass and synthesizer complemented by Paul Angers’ crisp drums, and “Understood” follows with an upbeat and bouncy demeanor that welcomes Brendan McMullin’s bright trombone for the dance floor ready appeal.
Halfway through, “Everyone Can Change” finds a more intimate place to reside, where Scott Goldbaum’s rhythm guitar suits Marston’s cozy bass, while “Lay A Little Love On Me” welcomes a guitar solo from Paul Lewolt, as the tune touches on prog-rock moments.
Further still, the thicker delivery of “A Son Son” benefits much from Angers’ thumping drums, and “She, The Fair Bag Girl” exits with Ronnie Grinel behind the drum kit for the buzzing guitars and spoken word that follows suit to the album’s title amid some dreaminess.
An inviting listen that may bring to mind XTC, They Might Be Giants, Teenage Fanclub or The Plimsouls, there’s plenty of swirling energy, memorable choruses and charming hooks to adore here.
Travels well with: The Lunar Laugh- In The Black; The Flashbacks- Pop Masters