It’s been 35 years since Brighton, UK-based indie pop outfit The Popguns debuted, but they sound as fresh as ever on their latest release. On this new EP Popism, songwriter Simon Pickles (guitar), Wendy Pickles, Greg Dixon (guitar), Pat Walkington (bass) and Ken Brotherston (drums) deliver four perfect pop songs that spontaneously make the sun shine again. “The title is inspired by a love of the unpretentious power of pop music at its simple and expressive best. Pop has no need for artfulness, authenticity, or intellectual approval but tells us the honest and unambiguous truth along with the overriding feeling that happiness is always possible.” Mesmeric guitar melodies, clever lyrics and angelic vocals, that’s all it takes. Closing track Indie Rock Goddess stands out for me, a tongue-in-cheek rocker promoting the excellence of growing old disgracefully. It all seems so easy, but in execution this is extraordinary.
Popism out now digitally, on CD and vinyl 7″ through SnugPop Recordings / Matinée Recordings.