The Popdogs

The quest for efficiency whilst at the same time not compromising on achieving your goals is a worthy aspiration. The Popdogs are a good solid pop band, stripped to the basics they strive for that hook that will reel you in, and make you feel good. And they nearly achieve it.

From the opener Kelly’s On to closer Dancin’ Again this is an album of concentrated pop melodies, straightforward lyrics, basic rhythms and workmanlike vocals. Influences can be heard going back to the 50’s – there is trace of Buddy Holly’s timbre in Jim Styring’s voice. Monkee harmonies can also be detected here and there, along with more earthy tones of prime poppers, The Housemartins.

Breaking up the poppy goodness are the post punk new wave of Kissin’ Alicia, the instrumental Mild Mannered J, with its Peter Gunnesque stroll, plus the slightly melancholic hue of The Queen of the USA to it. These are welcome interludes and save the album from turning into an almost unpalatable blancmange. The band are back in the sweet bins on album closer, the goodtime sing-along Dancin’ Again.

This band can write songs, know about melodies and how to keep things simple. It’s all very good natured, big smiles on the face stuff. But it’s also a bit one dimensional at times and as alluded to earlier, very rich.