New Kings Of Pop
FanFar, 2020
9/10
Since reforming in 2008 after a decade long break, The Mommyheads have done some amazing work, and if the cover art doesn’t make it obvious, New Kings Of Pop tackles plenty of current political and social issues, and this time it’s with an acoustic template with plenty of electronic and synth to be found, too.
“Speaker Heart” gets the album off to an acoustic guitar friendly start before loud drumming and thick guitars enter the loud versus quiet dynamics that populate their inimitable version of indie-pop, and “Speck Among Giants” continues the setting with some prog ideas amid the highly melodic template.
At the midpoint, “Ugly Things” brings in a poetic and darker approach with some articulate tension, while “Greta Thunberg” is a lush and adventurous tune about the Swedish hero that might make you chuckle, too. “Forest Hero Deconstruction”, one of the standout tunes, then finds a soulful place to reside, where a theater quality enters the dynamic and playful atmosphere.
Closer to the end, “Flame To The Moth” lands in classic rock territory, where a soaring climate with strings builds into the album highlight, and “Focus Group” finishes off the record with an artistic take on their mature pop where a healthy dose of synth makes an impression.
If you’re keeping track, this is the 3rd release from The Mommyheads in the last 2 years, and thankfully their quality is just as noteworthy as their quantity, as they explore harder textures of their formula where funk and horns enter the affair. Though they’ve always occupied a unique spot in indie-rock with their nods to Queen and XTC, I think it’s safe to say that The Mommyheads are at a creative high, and we’re all better off for it.
Travels well with: Ted Leo- The Hanged Man; Sloan- Commonwealth