Radio Transient
Big Stir, 2023
10/10
The always unpredictable North Carolina artist Chris Church returns with his most direct pop record yet, where he plays most instruments, welcomes a few friends to help out, and is never short on melodies.
After the mysterious synth ambience that segues into the dreamy yet busy ‘80s New Wave nods of “GORT”, “Going ‘Til We Go” finds a very pretty place to reside with harmonic singing amid the swirling guitar and animated drums of Nick Bertling.
Further along, Bill Lloyd’s guitar solo on “One More Chance To Get Over You” carries plenty of nostalgic melodica that’s fueled by the heartfelt song craft, while the soulful, crisp textures of “Already In It” benefit much from strategic bass lines alongside Church’s expressive singing.
“Far Too Late” and “Flip” exit the listen, where the former uses Lindsay Murray’s welcoming backing vocals in the cautious landscape, and the latter focuses on ambience that shifts into a shimmering version of soaring pop-rock that populated the best of the ‘80s music.
A varied listen that’s sometimes sweet, sometimes tense, and entirely quirky and glossy, but never in an overproduced sort of fashion, the back cover photo certainly gives us some idea of Church’s influences, and I feel that Lloyd Dobler would appreciate this record as much as I do.
Travels well with: The Flash Cubes- Pop Masters; Steve Stoeckel- The Power Of And