Let me describe Sherwood with an image. You're standing on the beach at the end of a perfect summer day. As you look out across the water, streaked red and gold from the setting sun, someone comes up behind you and puts their arms around you. Your initial surprised is calmed when you hear the voice of the one you love, the one you trust, and your excitement becomes comfort and happiness. This is what Sherwood sounds like.
Now I can hear a few of you saying, "great Mr. Reviewer, that tells me nothing about this band's sound". Sherwood's sound can be summed up in three words: Perfect power pop. Take the best pop moments of Foo Fighters, add a splash of Beach Boys perfect pop sensibilities, and temper with a touch of Simple Plan's infectious pop punk. "A Different Light" isn't really punk, it's more guitar driven pop. By the middle of the catchy opener "Song In My Head" Sherwood sounds like an old friend.
Like most power pop bands, you've heard some of these riffs before, but not in the way that Sherwood plays them. Their execution is flawless, original, and coupled with smooth, crisp production. Sparse keyboards and impressive vocal melodies transform the relatively tame pop of songs like "For The Longest Time" and turn them into sonic masterpieces. Layers of voices and instruments build up to a crescendo, and Sherwood holds you at the peak and lets you ride their wave of rolling sounds. Sherwood's use of guitars is surprising. Simple guitar lines like that found in the chorus of "Home" sound like a victory cry, and suck the listener in with the energy of their honesty.
Sherwood's sound brings up so many positive comparisons. "Ally Cat" is reminiscent of a ballad we might hear from Jimmy Eat World. "Give Up!" sounds more than a little like pop master Elvis Costello may have had a hand in its writing. Sherwood surprised me with this amazing album full of honest lyrics, mature production, and catchy songs. MySpace Records has released its first real gem in "A Different Light". If the radio gods are fair, Sherwood will be a hot band this summer. This is perfect beach/road trip/bonfire/backyard barbecue music. Summer 2007 should be the beginning of Sherwood's reign as the new kings of power pop. Let the revolution begin!
Key Tracks: "Song In My Head", "Middle Of The Night"
Reviewed by Jim McDonald |
