LA indie-popsters on a mission.
Despite their LA base, indie-rockers Italian Japanese have developed a soundscape that is synonymous with British acts. You really wouldnt think that they were Yanks at all. To my mind, this band has more than just an eye on conquering the UK and beyond. And theyre going the right way about it. They may consider themselves indie but this is pure and simple 21st century pop, no more or less.
Their high quality harmonies and melodies are infectious from the off with opener Jeremiah proving to be a mini-opus extraordinaire.
Radio -friendly Minus is a pulsating pop gem with a whopping hook in the chorus, and if the guys are reading this, then get it out ASAP as a single.
The next two tracks Le Pony and Polaroid - are much more sophisticated where they reveal more subtlety using next dynamics still with a keen ear on melody and gorgeous harmonies, with the later possessing Simple Mind touchstones in the understated twangy guitar licks by Chris McLaughlin.
Paper Tigers jollies along to intricate drum sequences texturised by mellow guitar licks and reverbed vocals and this is possibly the only audio hint that theyre a Stateside band by holding snippets of say Razorlight.
After a slow intro-sequence, things get seriously beefed-up on Naming Plants though the emphasis is still on melody and huge dollops of harmonies in the back-up department supplemented by a whopping riff and rolling drum beats in the final quarter. Again, a Simple Minds-like twangy guitar template prevails throughout the title track. The wailing guitar is the main feature closely followed by some strident and clever drumming by Justin Greene.
The Knife, after a mellow start neat drum taps and mellow guitar explodes, then drifts and undulates, showing all the hallmarks of old style power pop, as does Downtown.
Closer, Ladybird has undeniable shades of Fleetwood Macs Tango In The Night, but unlike said bands climax, it goes nowhere and is slightly disappointing end to what is a thoroughly enjoyable and excellent debut. Lead singer Allen Nicholas needs a mention too, because his fine set of tubes are well cultured and very impressive.
Theres a lot more to come from Italian Japanese, so remember their name.
The verdict The most sophisticated pop to come out of the USA in a long, long time.
Radio Hear a track from this album on THE PLUG at www.calonfm.com on Monday 4th October between 2-4PM UK time.