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Say it loud: power pop and proud!<\/p>\nSay it loud: power pop and proud!<\/p>\n
Readers of this online music magazine will know that while I approach it with guarded<\/em> optimism, I do like me some power pop. They\u2019ll also agree that the term is oft-abused, so much so that quite a few artists who might fit into the category instead abhor the term. They refuse to be thus labeled, as is their right. Here\u2019;s an exception. Nashville-based Sour Ops proudly embrace the term.<\/p>\n Thing is, I am not sure I agree. There\u2019s swagger and power in their songs, and plenty of hooks, but Sour Ops don\u2019t sound especially influenced by Badfinger, Big Star etc. I hear more of the wonderfully glammy excess of T. Rex and Slade in tunes like \u201cDo You Wanna Be Like Them?\u201d<\/p>\n But that\u2019s all largely beside the point. The tunes are strong, the hooks sharp, and there\u2019s a sense of exuberance (but not immature giddiness) to the ten tracks on X<\/i>. Price Harrison\u2019s lyrics are more intelligent and incisive than the standard-issue p.p. band, too, and that means that while you\u2019ll thrill to the highly-charged rocking rhythms of cuts like \u201cI\u2019m an Animal Too\u201d (which does, now that ya mention it, sound just a tad like the Raspberries) you can consider \u201cOut of Place,\u201d a song with a thoughtful perspective. And \u2013 unlike too many power pop bands, these lyrics won\u2019t embarrass you if you\u2019re caught singing along.<\/p>\n Through most of X<\/i>, Sour Ops is a lean and mean trio: Price plus drummer George Lilly and bassist Tony Frost). Guests help out here and there \u2013 Niqui Gutierrz\u2019s saxes on \u201cInside the Mind\u201d recalls The Sonics, which is something great to call \u2013 but for the most part, a spare, in-your-face rocking band is the ideal delivery system for these tune. Razor-sharp guitars slash and burn, though lead breaks are kept to a minimum. The rhythm section is tight and splashy. Whether you\u2019d consider it power pop or not, do check out X<\/i>.<\/p>\n