Throwback Suburbia Throwback Suburbia
by Curt Hauff
Staff Writer
Calling all powerpop addicts: Throwback Suburbia is here! With a mix of the Torries, ELO, Butch Walker and some ‘70s pop a la Shawn and David Cassidy, Throwback Suburbia brings the power back to pop music.
From start to finish, the self-titled album is full of catchy songs. Using sugar coated harmonies, throwback guitar tones (full pun intended) and well placed piano and keyboard tracks, the band manages to put together a heavyweight pop album.
“Asking Why” is reminiscent of a Marvelous 3 song that might have been released on Math & Other Problems. The chord structure is a little more complex than the typical 1-4-5 arrangement, which is not only unusual in this genre, but typically makes it difficult to absorb quickly. However, in the case with many of the band’s songs, the fresh chordings actually make it easier to get the chorus stuck in your head.
“Halfway to the Stars,” a story of a girl searching for fame only to lose herself in the process, is another track that has a familiar chord structure from days past, yet it’s unique and refreshing. Even the bridge is different than you hear with so many of today’s songwriters.
It would be absolutely amazing to hear what these guys would put out with a producer like Butch Walker, Don Gilmore or Glen Ballard. With the energy of any of the aforementioned producers and the skillful writing the band possesses, Throwback Suburbia would have number one hits coming out of their ass.
From the sing-songy “Same Mistake” to the driving “Say When” to the Partridge Family-esqe “Just Need a Day”, Throwback Suburbia has a winning formula to pure powerpop pleasure. Throwback Suburbia is the perfect fix for powerpop addicts everywhere.
TRACK LISTING
1. Private Oasis
2. Asking Why
3. Rewind
4. Head Over Heels
5. Same Mistake
6. All About Me
7. Say When
8. Perfectly Okay
9. Halfway to the Stars
10. You’ll Never Know
11. Just Need a Day
12. Don’t Pray For Me
13. The Ride
HRH RATING: 8/10