Apollo Sunshine
(Headless Heroes)
The third record from this Boston trio is just as all over the map as their first two, 2003's Katonah and 2005's Apollo Sunshine. While exploring different musical regions, the band definitely excels at upbeat, psychedelic pop a la The Apples in Stereo, Mazarin and The Flaming Lips. Also, don't let the 16 songs scare you off that you're going to be in for hour plus monster as the band is able to trim the fat as they have pared Shall Noise Upon down to a mere 40 minutes.
Opener "Breeze' is as cool as it sounds, while "666: The Coming of the New World Government", which sounds like a Brian Jonestown Massacre song title, isn't as sinister as it sounds and instead suggests the aforementioned Apples in Stereo (as does "The Mermaid Angeline"). Elsewhere, "Brotherhood of Death" comes off like the Stooges haunted by the memory of Charlie Feathers and "Money" (not the Pink Floyd song) is a gentle, acoustic tune full of good vibes and pleasant dreams.
The record, while a bit schizoid, is able to stick together and sound more cohesive than not. All in a day's work for Apollo Sunshine.
Standout Tracks: "666: The Coming of the New World Government", "Money", "The Mermaid Angeline" TIM HINELY
