Pick Of The Week:
Magnapop at the Alligator Lounge
Friday, April 26
by Andrew Lentz
This aptly named Athens, Georgia band has all the hooks and jangle its name implies, ushering in a gleeful resurgence of the late- '80s Twin Cities-inspired power pop (Bob Mould produced their major label debut) and conjuring up memories of Guadalcanal Diary or Let's Active. Conventional though they are, Magnapop's catchy, mid-tempo songs have a nice way with layered vocals and harmonic change-ups, a fresh change of pace fom the more alternative-by-rote bands. Produced by '80s punk minimalist Geza Z, their imminent release, Rubbing Doesn't Help, has a big investment in slow 'n' sensitive material, which makes for a more interesting range of musical stylings than 1994's Hot Boxing, though it lacks the sugary pop exuberence that was such a rush on that album. One of the band's most endearing traits is the Southern charm they exude at live performances, which usually ensures a host of new followers.