Neon Neon - Stainless Style (2008)

I'm always skeptical when it comes to power pop albums. In fact, I’m more than skeptical; I am highly cynical, especially with those of the 'concept' variety.

It's just one of those genres which has you either cringing with eminent hate or squealing in delight. I had mixed impressions when I first listened through Neon Neon's "Stainless Style", it seemed oddly reminiscent of Phil Collins and Genesis, which is far removed from my usual elitist indie listening habits.

Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals' Frontman) and Boom Bip (Music Producer Extraordinaire) however, exceeded my expectations. Gruff Rhys' heavenly voice and eclectic approach to songwriting fused with Boom Bip’s almost ethereal synth rhythms, seemed to mesh so perfectly.

However their concept, I concede, was quite disappointing at first glance. Having said that, it does eventually start to appeal.

Spoken through the almost idyllic dancefloor pop anthems is the life of John Delorean (yes, Back to The Future Is on the money). The album follows the fast-paced life of Delorean with Cars, Sex, Money, Drugs, Cars. In saying that, all Aristolean tragedies should take the form of conceptual power-pop album; falling from grace never sounded so damn catchy.

What I find so innovative about this album in particular is it's quasi-genre leaps, combining elements of rock, pop, electro, hip-hop and techno. It's versatility in musicality allows for it to so powerfully explore Delorean’s life, with each song correlating to a direct event in his life.

The song Raquel highlights his affair with international sex symbol Raquel Welch. Ironically, my personal favourite was I Told Her On Alderaan, a catchy 80's pop number with the scintillating synths and shrill falsettos the grungy 90's left us without (forgive the geek inside of me which revels in the blatant Star Wars reference)

The album is also not marred by it's numerous cameos: Fat Lip from Pharcyde, Spank Rock and Yo Majesty all make special appearances and those songs accurately reflect their genre agendas, or so I realized when I listened to Trick for Treat and found myself faced with a dirty hip-hop track rather than the pop I was becoming so accustomed to.

When you think Power Pop, the bands springing to mind are Duran Duran, Genesis and a list that pretty much encompasses any top 40 band since the 70's. Neon Neon revise, revisit and revolutionize that 80's sound, in a catchy, down-to-earth album you can sink your teeth into and if I were Pretentious and Pitchfork Media enough...

RATING: 4 out of 5

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