Back To California
Spyderpop, 2025
10/10
The power-pop and New Wave legends 20/20 are back with 11 new, energetic songs that illustrates Steve Allen, Ron Flynt and Ray Flynt sounding as relevant and exciting as they did in 1979.
The thumping and rich title track opens the listen with warm singing that complements the rugged melodies, and “Why Do I Hurt Myself” follows with a calmer approach that’s plenty harmonic and mixes grit with soaring moments.
Further along, the crisp “Lucky Heart” doesn’t shy away from hooks and plenty of meticulous guitar licks, while “When The Sun Goes Down” carries a bit of a jangle amid the playful indie-pop qualities.
Residing near the end, “Long Distance Call” uses keys splendidly in a more soulful climate of grace and maturity, and “Farewell” exits with the strategic bass lines and expressive singing that’s heartfelt and sophisticated.
A triumphant return for the trio who have existed in various forms over the decades, Allen and Ron Flynt are original members, and this first album since ‘98 proves that no matter how long between recordings, 20/20 can pen an album of distorted guitars, Beatlesque pop, and even country-rock bits that you can’t not admire.
Travels well with: The Speed Of Sound- A Cornucopia: Minerva; Sparkle* Jets U.K- Box Of Letters