Search - Smash Palace :: Unlocked

Smash Palace "Unlocked" : Prime Power Pop

B. Niedt | Cherry Hill, NJ United States | 01/30/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had heard of Smash Palace as a local band with a great reputation, but it took a listen to their new self-produced CD, "Unlocked", to show me what I was missing. This is a tight, musically-accomplished band that deserves national recognition. Led by brothers Stephen and Brian Butler (who also write nearly all the band's songs), they are an immensely enjoyable power-pop unit, fueled by strong guitar licks, harmonizing vocals, and an amazing supply of pop hooks. In fact, melodically I'd put the Butler brothers right up there with the likes of the Finn brothers, Difford and Tilbrook, and (dare I say it) even Lennon and McCartney. It's no surprise, then, that so many of the songs have a Beatlesque flavor. (I defy you, for instance, to hear "A Million Miles Away" and not think of John Lennon.) They also remind me of the better power-pop bands, like Crowded House and Del Amitri. The production values are excellent, especially for a self-produced indie effort, and there's not a weak song on the album. You won't find anything innovative here, but if you want to hear power-pop done right, Smash Palace really delivers the goods."