This album took a few listens before I could truly appreciate its poppiness. I mean poppiness in a weird Smiths / Pinkerton-era Weezer kind of way. If that combo sounds off the charts bonkers, it kind of is. It has that throwback feeling of early (especially on songs like “Heartbreak”) along with the dourness of Morrissey in his highest of spirits. There is some Jesus stuff in there, but it’s more American Idiot than Pedro the Lion. Infectious and hook-laden, this one is worth multiple spins.
