SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TOKYO POLICE CLUB – MELON COLLIE AND THE INFINITE RADNESS, PT. 2

Tokyo Police Club
Melon Collie And The Infinite Radness, Pt. 2
Mean Beard/Dine Alone Records

One of Canada’s most reliable Indie-Rock groups returns with its second release of 2016. Tokyo Police Club is back with its EP Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness, Pt. 2. This five-track collection of songs is the second we have received from Tokyo Police Club this year, as just back in April we were given Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness, Pt. 1. Now part two of the Smashing Pumpkins-inspired collection (the inspiration only going as far as the title) displays nothing groundbreaking for TPC. It does, however, provide another enjoyable bunch of feel-good Rock tunes filtered through the familiar style and Pop sensibilities Tokyo Police Club has become so well known for.

It’s undeniable that the boys in TPC have a gift for melody and have really become masters of composing polished and ultra-catchy Rock songs, with a strong Pop influence. The band has set a high standard of song-writing for itself, and every track it releases may not quite meet that standard to become as memorable a piece as some of its past work. This is the case with certain pieces of Radness Pt. 2, but there are, however, still a couple songs that do feel worthy of being added to the roster of TPC favourites.

“My House” is a strong opener, giving off strong Weezer vibes as the distorted guitar chugs along steadily beneath David Monks’ recognizable vocals, which sound virtually unchanged since the group first emerged in the members’ teenage years. The song progresses in typical TPC fashion, bringing in falsetto backing vocals and keyboards all leading into a big sing-along chorus. This big earworm of a chorus is what seems to be missing from some of the other songs on this EP, but we do find another all around strong song with the track “Awesome Day.” A more mellow addition rooting its rhythm primarily on an acoustic chord progression, this track keeps its arrangement simple and showcases the group’s song writing, making it a pleasant addition. Although these songs do come to mind as standouts, other songs on the EP have strong elements as well; for example the opening bass line on “Hang Your Heart,” which acts as the foundation to a really great groove utilizing harmonized backing vocals and a great guitar lead.

Sure, Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness, Pt. 2 may not be TPC’s most memorable work from start to finish, but it does provide a couple solid new additions to the band’s catalogue and I’m sure it satisfied all their fans excited for new material. So for now we’ll enjoy our favourites and eagerly await what the guys come up with next.

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