aaamusic | On 22, Apr 2013

New Orleans act Generationals have a retro pop sound to them, they’re even releasing their latest album Heza on cassette as well as LP to accentuate this. They must miss cassettes as much as me, I suppose. The album jumps in with the upbeat Spinoza. The track has a summery feel to it with the straight forward yet hooky guitar melodies giving the song a relaxed and carefree sound. The vocal work is also appealing, it has an interesting character to it and a nice layering of harmonies. You Got Me uses minimalist electronic beats, giving a spacey feel, as does Put A Light On. I can’t say I enjoy these tracks as much as the guitar-based ones, although it’s always good to experiment I think tracks like Spinoza and I Never Know play on their strengths more, utilising catchy vocals and toe-tapping guitar hooks. It’s clear that the band like to experiment with sounds, Kemal is an interesting blend of rhythms and twinkling melodies.  Generationals have the ability to deliver melancholia through an upbeat pop sound which is quite the skill.

★★★★★

Rose Benge