Pom Poko's "Champion" Album Review
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Loading... - Abrasha Volkov
- 14 Aug 2024
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Norwegian art-poppers Pom Poko have outdone themselves with their third album, "Champion". This bright, energized, and unstoppable record is a masterclass in fusing spontaneity with structure, resulting in a truly unique sound.
At first listen, "Champion" comes across as a new wave-influenced take on math rock, with hints of Imperial-era Beyoncé. But as you delve deeper, it's clear that this album is so much more. It's a deconstructed and reassembled pop record that's both catchy and cerebral.
The opening track, "Growing Story", has a distinct Ohio's The Waitresses vibe, while "My Family" channels Deerhoof's quirky energy. The title track, "Champion", features vocalist Ragnhild Fangel Jamtveit evoking Tom Tom Club's signature style. Meanwhile, "You're Not Helping" brings to mind Gang of Four's second album-era squall, courtesy of guitarist Martin Miguel Almagro Tonne. And could that be The B-52's influence on "Never Saw It Coming"?
It's clear that Pom Poko's jazz-school background has informed their music, with subliminal influences from a wide range of genres. But what's most impressive is how seamlessly they've woven these influences together to create a cohesive and engaging album.
Previous Pom Poko albums haven't had the same level of focus as "Champion", but with this record, they've truly found their voice. Listening to "Champion" is a tremendous amount of fun, and the album's 11 tracks are perfectly complemented by the 11 images on the cover. Try to figure out which image matches which track – it's a delightful puzzle!
In short, "Champion" is a triumph. Pom Poko has created an album that's both intellectually stimulating and infectiously catchy. Give it a spin and discover the joy of art-pop done right.
