Lovejunk are one of those bands that have been floating around the UK punk scene for some time, without ever really setting the world on fire. Their debut album ‘Tribulations’ was a solid little listen, but their last effort, the ‘Vodatumour Blues’ EP, was distinctly average. Now the Ipswich quartet have returned with their second full-length release, ‘Amstradivarius’. With the country basking in the warmest heat wave we’ve ever know, this could well prove to be the soundtrack to your summer.
There is much about Lovejunk‘s sound that makes you want to instantly attach the good old pop punk label to them. However, such a sweeping generalisation would do a great disservice to the band. Sure, there is an element of pop to the proceedings, but there is also a rockier, heavier edge to many of the tracks. With some fine and distinctive British vocals, and a real feel-good factor flowing through the album, Lovejunk are a cut above your run of the mill US pop punk outfit.
With ‘Amstradivarius’ Lovejunk have finally managed to take all the stronger aspects of their music, and blend them together to make a consistent package of songs. There can be little doubt that this is the best thing the band have produced thus far. From the opening of the infectious ‘Harrison Ford’, Lovejunk grab whatever attention span you may have and keep it firmly fixed to your stereo for the full thirteen songs on offer. Throughout the course of the album there are many highlights, from the fantastic ‘Closing Time’, to the electro-acoustic stylings of the more downbeat ‘Cake Song’. And of course, the evergreen ‘Ethan And Emma’ is once again on show, sounding better than it ever has. In fact, the only real criticism that can be mentioned is that sometimes the vocals are two low in the mix, resulting in the beefed up guitars drowning out some of the lyrics. Other than that, though, you have thirteen of the finest songs you will hear this summer.
Lovejunk‘s second full-length album sees the band finally coming of age. ‘Amastradivarius’ is a real triumph for the band, and is undoubtedly going to be one of the best UK releases this year. With the sun shining as brightly as ever outside, this really is the album you should be listening to.
Mark