This is my first time hearing this band, and I'm glad they popped up on my radar like an aircraft coming in for an unauthorized landing. This is also my first taste of Dandy Boy Records and I am absolutely astounded by their releases the more I dig into their catalog. I can't believe they've eluded me since 2017! SOFTJAW are from Long Beach, California and apparently only stepped out on to the world's stage in 2024. Since then, they've released a number of digital singles and an EP. This here LP collects all of those digital releases plus a Paul Collins Beat cover of "Working Too Hard" and the 23 Jewels song "Playing Bogart". Both of these classics fit perfectly in the bands repertoire.
This is THE best straight forward power pop records I've heard in a really long time. When a band attempts the genre, if done right, you don't need any more suffix or prefix words to better describe the music, everything you need is right there in the name "power" and "pop". For me, the "power" usually lies in the guitars and the drums. In SOFTJAW's case, the guitars are front and center, driving those melodies and hooks right into your heart. Meanwhile the drums are shaking you like a roller coaster thrill ride. The "pop" part I feel lies in the vocals and harmonies. And again, SOFTJAW excels in this department as well. The vocals take me away to a place where a cool breeze embraces me like an old friend and the harmonies are like the sweet summer sun kissing my cheek like a loved one welcoming me back home.
If you're a power pop fan, I can't stress to you enough how essential this record is. If you're a fan of just exceptional rock n' roll that's capable of lifting your spirits from within the darkest of places, then you need this record right now. If I gave ratings to my reviews, this would be 5 out of 5, easily, no arguments. Way to knock it out of the galaxy SOFTJAW. My eyes are now fixed on you guys and what you do next, color me impressed from end to end.
Get the LP or CD NOW at dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com
