Scott Gagner‘s eighth album Sweet Tooth infuses classic guitar-pop with much-needed optimistic spirit: “I am trading in this blue disguise // For a pair of technicolor eyes” (from opening track Beyond the Blue). Written and recorded during the January federal ICE siege in Minneapolis, the ten new songs deliberately reject despair, instead wrapping their unmistakable emotional weight in bright melodies, lush harmonies, vintage synths, and a continuous supply of alluring hooks.

Rather than ignoring the world’s anxieties, the singer-songwriter counters them with music that celebrates joy as an act of non-violent resistance (at Sweet Sweet Music Blog he says he feels that people are ready for something upbeat, positive, and hopeful, and I can only endorse that). The lyrics explore the fragile balance between doubt and hope, suggesting that even life’s loveliest moments gain meaning because they exist alongside uncertainty: “Sugar rush spreading all over town // Who knew something so sweet would finally bring us down” (from Sugar Rush—bonus points for the absurd video).

This record proves that feel-good pop doesn’t have to be lightweight; sometimes the most uplifting records are also the ones most aware of the darkness they refuse to surrender to.

Sweet Tooth, recorded by Matt Patrick, is out digitally (self-released). Featuring Scott Gagner (vocals, guitars, sitar, bass, piano, synth, organs, percussion), Sam Graber (bass), Tim Zhorne (drums), Rachel Hunter (backing vocals), and Matt Patrick (bass, organ).

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