On its latest album, Sweden's legendary Psychotic Youth puts on a master class in power pop. Released 38 years after the band's formation, Happy Songs is a reminder that Psychotic Youth still sounds like...Psychotic Youth! There are no concessions to new trends or conscious attempts to demonstrate maturity. Happy Songs is the kind of record this band has been dependably producing for decades, and in terms of quality, it's up there with the best of the group's full-length releases. By now you know the recipe: high-energy, punk-influenced power pop that marries catchy, feelgood tunes to lyrics full of "bitter thoughts of love, hope and despair." What could be better than that? On board for this release is a classic Psychotic Youth lineup featuring original members Jorgen Red Westman, Gunnar Frick, Kent Sjoholm, and Anders Nordstrand along with long-time member Ulf Abrahamsson. These guys have turned out a vintage Psychotic Youth record that puts the power in the pop and delivers hooks for days. Westman on vocals sounds ageless, and his songwriting adheres to the maxim of not fixing what isn't broken. From the opening notes of "A New Plan," it's clear that you're listening to the mighty Psychotic Youth. The way those punchy guitars lock in with Sjoholm's propulsive drums and Frick's spirited organ is truly unmistakable. From start to finish, it's pretty much wall-to-wall hits. The likes of "She's Gonna Do You In," "Out of This World," and "I Don't Wanna Go Now" would slot in perfectly on literally any Psychotic Youth album. There are also a couple of really excellent covers in the Real Kids' deep cut "Can't Talk to That Girl" and The ClockWatchers' "Drop in the Bucket." Not merely a vital influence on today's powerpop/punk scene, Psychotic Youth remains one of its standout acts. School is in session!
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