Album Mini-review: Screamfeeder — Pop Guilt
File next to: Belly, Hoodoo Gurus
While the name of this Australian quartet might suggest something bratty and noisy, the truth lies elsewhere. Screamfeeder is an endlessly inventive purveyor of chiming, memorable pop rock. With its self-knowing title, Pop Guilt is a collection of hook-laded gems that are far more sophisticated and ambitious than might initially seem the case. The album launches with gusto on “Half Lies,” which at first seems a convention pop-punk raver with a catchy melody. But the manner in which the band speeds up, reverts to the original tempo, and speeds up again is nothing short of breathtaking. And as effective as Tim Steward’s lead vocals are, it’s the winning pipes of Kellie Lloyd (with Steward providing ace harmonies) that serve as the band’s not-so-secret secret weapon on tracks like “All Over it Again.” There’s a refreshing variety within the context of Pop Guilt‘s straightforward, uptempo pop melodies.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.