I put tremendous value in the Niek seal of approval, so it didn't take me long after reading his review of Mopar Stars' new album Official Researchers Of The NJ Devil before I was sitting down and spending some quality time with the album. Was I impressed? The mere existence of this review answers that question. It's kind of cool how an overseas review of a band that's only 100 miles away from me can lead me to a record I'll play over and over. God bless the internet.
Following two EPs, Official Researchers Of The NJ Devil is this Philly-based foursome's proper debut album. It's a blessing that high-quality indie pop like this is thriving at the moment, and it's imperative that we don't take that for granted. You know in five years, we're gonna be like, "Something special was brewing in the mid-2020s!" Very reminiscent of all those '90s indie bands who loved '70s power pop with some Replacements worship sandwiched in between, Mopar Stars manage to sound very much like a contemporary indie rock band even as their music is rooted in classic guitar pop. The specific influences are not at all super-obvious, and perhaps that's because they're numerous and quite varied. Without getting too complicated or ambitious in his approach (only one track is longer than three minutes), Nao Demand is showing himself to be a masterful and gifted songwriter. Far from a mere collection of songs, this is a true album. You put it on, and you want to listen all the way to end. On one level, this is a power pop record, and the hooks cannot be denied. But the overall vibe is laidback (some might say slacker-ish) and reflective. It's the sort of album you ought to listen to while you're sitting alone in a comfortable space and nursing a beverage. This is an album that will make you think about life. These tunes aren't trying to beat you over the head. Even in the two minute-ish range, they take their time introducing themselves. Sometimes power pop gets classified as empty calories for the ears, but these songs are by no means lacking in substance.
How do you make an album that's tried-and-true indie pop that still doesn't sound like ten thousand albums you've heard before? Ultimately it comes down to the craftsmanship and charm of the songs. You hear songs like "Drinkallnite," "Only Bar In Town," and "Lifetime of Pain" a couple of times, and it feels like you've known them forever. Mopar Stars have delivered a splendid debut album that is absolutely worthy of the rave reviews it's garnering. The City of Brotherly Love is ruling power pop right now!
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