aaamusic | On 07, May 2012

Taffy take late 80’s shoegaze and early 90’s alt-rock and put a distinct Japanese twist on it. With a sound that feels like it belongs in the 90’s, Taffy could risk sounding old fashioned, and they do, except it works wonderfully. Growling guitars meet sugar-sweet vocals. It sounds a bit like power pop meets the early album vocals of the Cardigans’ Nina Persson.

The album opens with Between, a total flashback to the early 90’s. Grumbling guitar riffs tangle with sugar sweet vocals to produce a dreamy, hazey cloud of music. The guitar feedback at the end of the song takes us into the next track, Candy Lane, which is infectiously catchy pop at its best. I’d say this is easily one of the best tracks on the album.

The band has some odd looking track names, such as HaaH and =3. I’ve noticed unusual song names have become quite a trend lately; Oberhofer’s equally retro Time Capsules II also plays with song titles for example. Still, Taffy pull it off in a kitsch kind of way, it suits their style.

HaaH features some melodic guitar work and lullaby vocals, although it’s slightly darker than the other tracks. =3 would make a great single, short but sweet and insanely catchy and energetic. It’s very much a song for the summer.

Indetermination has a mysterious and psychedelic feel to it. The song ends beautifully with a mix of electric and acoustic guitar layers. Canary brings back the pop-rock guitar and stomping drum beats. Upbeat and wonderfully catchy, perfect pop-rock with a soaring guitar solo.

The album ends with So Long, a burst of electric guitars and quirky vocals. It’s a lovely closure for the album with its melodic vocal harmonies and upbeat instrumental.

Overall, a cheery, charming and endearing album which is perfect for the upcoming summer. With a dash of power pop, a twist of grunge and a sprinkle of Japanese eccentricity to draw it all together, the album has a wonderful retro feel that would appeal to many. You should certainly give it a listen.

★★★★★

Rose Benge