Bad Time Records – 27 Feb 2023
The Pomps create a proper full length LP masterpiece.
The Pomps debut LP Top of the Pomps released way back in 2012, and now their sophomore LP is out just over a decade later! Titled Bottom of the Pomps, it isn’t so much a sequel or companion album to Top of the Pomps, but more of the state of the band is at now. If you are not familiar with The Pomps they are a collection of Boston artists from acts such as Big D and Kids Table, Have Nots, The Sterns, Stray Bullets, and Westbound Train. Being active with these other bands, starting families, and little things like a pandemic had placed the group on hiatus most of these past ten years, having put out three EPs in between (one of which is the excellent The Smoking Pomps Smoking Popes cover album). But their age and maturity shows in this record and the lyrics come from someone who has lived through a band in their youth.
Musically the sound is a mix of British 2 tone, power pop, indie, and early reggae. I would hesitate to label this a ska record and I can’t think of any bands that I’d say have a sound like them on these songs. Most of the tracks are very mellow and pleasant sounding. My initial reaction to the album was that it was very good, but aside from a few tracks, it doesn’t get me that excited. It’s is almost as if it is too soulful, sweet sounding, and polished. When your main cup of tea is raw sounding punk or horns in your face ska, and this is very fine tuned and balanced. Now, I don’t think this is a bad thing. I feel this would be the perfect poolside summer album for chilling on your inflatable donut or maybe sippin’ on drinks next to a warm fire.
The second track “Heart Flipper” is one that does move the excitement needle for me, filled with some catchy lyrics, a danceable beat, and a fun little break down, makes this a lively little jingle.
“Elite Ennui” is one track that takes you away from the ska genre and brings you closer to an indie new wave feel. I was really into this one, it just has a very cool unique sound lead by fast picking guitar and fun vibrant organs. If you are into very unique tunes, this song is worth checking out by itself. “Grudges” has some great lyrics going back to the band now being older and having more life substance to draw from. The sound is heavy on the piano, has some tambourine splashed in, and almost has a honky-tonk barroom mixed with early rock feel.
If you’re into some of the more obscure 3rd wave ska, “Monarchs” may be one for you. The bass takes the lead on this one, keys fill in nicely in place of any horns, and the guitar is more down that up strokes. “Pirate, Totally Relaxed” takes you to an island in the Caribbean and draws in the early reggae feel. Sans any vocals and with a guitar break that filters in a little beach rock this one was very pleasant to listen to.
Although this album may not make me want to jump out of my seat and dance around, I feel this record is something special. The Pomps take you on a chill ride through British ska, indie, and early reggae, led by bass guitar, plenty of up-strokes, funky organs, and the beautiful vocals of Alex Stern. For anyone looking for something outside the box with a very cool unique sound, I would give this album a spin.
Likes fine beer and cheap cheese. He has been a DJ, sound mixer for commercials and television, and currently designs motorcycle parts. He also has a habit of creating pastiche style cover songs and changing the chorus to incorporate “Jeff” or “Sorley.” (sigh… it’s true – Jeff)
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