Search - Sunset Valley :: The New Speed

Indie pop goes pro

Marty Smith(marty@moonrat.com) | Oregon, USA | 12/21/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's no slack musicianship or sloppy songwriting on the debut from this Portland, Oregon five piece. Think the Pixies meet XTC-- infectious hooks, quirky lyrics and danceable beats fairly burst out of this clever, addictive collection of songs. It's not every day you run across a song called about the first mogambo in zero-G ("Skylab Love Scene") featuring a couplet like "Whisper the planets' names in my ear/ I think I can see my house from here." Portland's best indie release of the year."

Quirky New Wave Pop from Portland, Oregon Band

Marty Smith(marty@moonrat.com) | 12/20/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Frontman Herman Jolly (formerly of Portland band Rollerball) is a huge Pixies fan, that much is obvious. He also blends elements of new wave 80's pop (Devo, the Cars, etc.) with catchy lyrics and mesmerizing guitar riffs. Various keyboard sounds and effects give this album a progressive feel. Definitely a band to watch! Tunes you'll be humming: Shangai Shelly, Met My Mako."