Lacerda - Epic Pop
Record Label: Unsigned
Release Date: June 1, 2010
One thing that has been obnoxiously obvious in today's music scene is the fact that no matter what genre one turns to, redundancy is evident. Repetitiveness is one thing that is constantly growing more and more unavoidable, and with the vast amount of up and coming unsigned acts out there, this is expected. Canadian power-pop quintet Lacerda, is one band that shows a little initiative, and breaks away from said redundant tactics. Yes, they are still not breaking any new ground, which is an incredibly difficult task to complete, but they do provide a fresh, delightful blend of poppy choruses and pop-punk riffs.
I'll be honest, going into listening to Lacerda's sophomore EP titled Epic Pop, I really was expecting some sugary sweet cookie cutter pop rock band that make the teeny-boppers of the country salivate, and from the first few seconds of the opening title track, I was worried that my expectations were hopelessly correct. Luckily, I stay tuned for 5 seconds longer as the opening riff kicks in, revealing an edginess that remains unheard of in the poppy rocky, summer-lovin'-having-a-blast sound that seems to be repeated over and over. No. These guys are the epitome of the less-used, ballsier term, power-pop.
As the 7 song EP goes on, Lacerda keeps the upbeat, dancy tempo, revealing multiple infectious choruses. The catchiest of which is found in "Hit the Reset", as lead vocalist Milenko and back-up vocalist/guitarist James Watkins partake in a back and forth vocal war, belting "Jump start my heart and hit the reset/I'm beating at my chest and it's not working out/If I start breathing again, these days and nights we'll defend". If those words don't get cemented into your head for days, I don't know what will. The next two songs after "Hit The Reset" could be marked off as slower and forgettable, but Lacerda picks it right back up with the upbeat, fun "Don't Flatter Yourself" and the more pop-punk oriented closer "Oh My Dear".
Lacerda has had the benefit of having friendly ties with Go Radio vocalist/guitarist Jason Lancaster, as the ex-Mayday Parade singer's pre-production mark can be openly heard on Epic Pop. Add producer John Naclerio (Brand New, Senses Fail, My Chemical Romance) to the melting pot of talent and the world has itself a quality release from an up and coming group of talented Canucks.
it'll definitely give this a listen looking at the bands on RIYL
Throughout the whole time I was listening to this I kept thinking to myself "Man! This sounds very Go Radio-esque." I look at the liner notes in the cover, pre-produced by Jason Lancaster. I felt pretty accomplished haha. Think ALIR era Mayday Parade, but Jason is the lead singer and Derek as the back-up vocalist.
Definitely check out "Hit The Reset" first. Such a good jam.
Throughout the whole time I was listening to this I kept thinking to myself "Man! This sounds very Go Radio-esque." I look at the liner notes in the cover, pre-produced by Jason Lancaster. I felt pretty accomplished haha. Think ALIR era Mayday Parade, but Jason is the lead singer and Derek as the back-up vocalist.
Definitely check out "Hit The Reset" first. Such a good jam.
after reading this, i think i'm gonna love it. definitely love ALIR more compared to ABH.
I'm sure you can steal it somewhere as well. but supporting us is always good :)
No problem man. Really enjoyed this release and can't wait for what you have in store next. I'll be sure to check you guys out if you ever play around my area.
lacerda are my fucking dudes. they're awesome musicians and, from what I saw, were one of the hardest working bands on this summer's warped tour. terrific album, miss the shit out of those guys.