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Written by Marc Farr Wednesday, 23 July 2014 23:15

With a sound rich in harmonies and melody, the album plays like a testament to the 1970s and early 1980s.

 

Today’s music scene has been heavily influenced by the sounds of the ’70s. The same holds true for the new release by Cosmic Punch, FM Stereo. With a sound rich in harmonies and melody, the album plays like a testament to the 1970s and early 1980s. With influences heavily based in the decade of Jimmy Carter and Studio 54, artists like ELO, Queen, Styx, and Sweet bleed through the album. Combined with Beatles-esque harmonies and structure, Cosmic Punch blends into this mix the droning synths of early alternative music of the ’80s, providing just enough of this challenging mix to break what would otherwise result in monotony.

The songs on FM Stereo ebb and flow in and out of each other. The album opener, “One Man Pop Band,” is an ego-driven tune declaring one’s independence and self-worth; the alternative/punkish feel of “How Do I” includes a brooding synth and a driving rhythm, making you snap your fingers. The band gets nostalgic on the Fab Four–ish “You’re Great,” with a melody-driven, almost singable guitar solo, as well as on the harmony-laden single, “The Long Slow Road,” an almost silly tune about unrequited love.

This album would be at home in many different musical collections. With the crossing of genres that occur, Cosmic Punch will appeal to most rock listeners. While there is still room for more originality here, Cosmic Punch takes strides toward having its own style . Hopefully, the band will continue to grow into its own, and find who they truly want to be. C+ | Marc Farr