Leave it to Kevin Robertson (of Vapour Trails) to write a pretty great record full of jangly power pop songs that will be overlooked by many, underrated by some, yet deserving of airplay and inclusion in many music collections and playlists.
Robertson recorded his latest album, The Call of the Sea, with Scott Robertson, Nick Bertling, and the occasional special guest (e.g., Nick Frater and Tom Williams on the Americana-tinged Search For Replies). Opening the record with standouts Ghosting and The Guilt Trip is a power move by the trio and a statement of what to expect: ear candy operating on the Big Star-Teenage Fanclub spectrum.
But rather than begging or screaming for attention, the guitar pop on The Call of the Sea feels like a gentle tap on the shoulder, a polite person asking: “Hey, how are you? I’ve got some songs you might like if you’ve got some time to spare, thank you.” And because you’re terrible at saying no to kind people, you give the record a fair chance, only to discover a songwriter at the top of his game, giving a clinic in crafting tasteful and delicate guitar pop as a vessel for his sweet and timeless pop melodies.
CD available now through Futureman Records and Subjangle.