Las Vegas Weekly : - Poppermost

Noise

[Local]

Poppermost

Bitter Suite Swan Songs

Jeremy Adams

Thu, Sep 4, 2008 (midnight)

Poppermost certainly isn’t short on delusions of grandeur. The band calls its music “one gigantic mass [encompassing] pop, rock, country, soul and classical” in the liner notes of its third LP, Bitter Suite Swan Songs. But the group’s ambition often exceeds its stylistic capabilities. “Bitter Suite,” the album’s two-part title track, briefly achieves anthemic bliss before collapsing under the weight of heavy-handed lyrics (“I lock my feelings in a jar until they go away”) and tinny Weird Al-esque keyboards. “I Will Begin” starts derivatively—with an a cappella intro à la Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”—and continues with a set of both clichéd power chords and unoriginal lyrics (“Everybody wants to win/Instead we’re all set up to lose”). Ugh.

Band Guide: Poppermost
Beyond the Weekly: Poppermost

When Poppermost stays within its reach, however, the results are more pleasant. “Concentrate” achieves a breezy, summer-barbecue vibe reminiscent of the Foo Fighters’ “Big Me,” while “Kristen”—a short ditty about a town’s resident gossip—exudes genuine energy. My advice? Start from a seed, boys, and the ambition will grow out later.

The bottom line: **1/2

Comment on This Share This Print This

9 Comments So Far

Not sure what to make of the advice, "Start from a seed, boys, and the ambition will grow out later." -??? - Musically, this album is JUST that...ambitious. It's solid, interesting and compelling. (awsome drums and bass throughout, too.)

And lyrically? So much of what I hear in the Top 40 are songs and artists competing for "Best-Rhymed-Inanity-Sounding-Most-Like-Whichever-Other-Current-Teen-Idol-On-The-Charts".

Not so with "Bitter Suite". Alex Oliver's verse from "Swan" makes the point best: " Is your reflection just reflections/Of the way that you'd like to be?/Or is it just another picture/Of the damaged goods you see?"

Poppermost's Bitter Suite Swan Songs is original art...Not an ugly duck in the lot.

Looking forward to the next CD!

Jackie Robinson
Stavros Entertainment

Posted by: jackie_robi on 9/7/08 at 12:12 a.m.

I have to agree with Jackie from Stavros Entertainment. This is music that goes right to your soul and stays. Just like Comfort food but better for you! I am so looking forward to the next poetic masterpiece from Poppermost.

Post Scrittum: My Rating is 9.5 out of 10

Posted by: ZEISSCONTAX on 9/7/08 at 9:44 a.m.

Hmm...I must join Jackie in noting the solid, interesting and compelling music that is Poppermost. Alex Oliver has dazzled audiences since the late 1990s with his musical chops. His music excursions on this album and his previous work have blended genres in a musical stew that dazzles the listeners’ senses. Poppermost is very contemporary and yet reminds one of what music has should...it's clear, concise and to the point. Bitter Suite is highly recommended!

Posted by: rdelgadillo on 9/7/08 at 1:48 p.m.

I love this album so much! Poppermost has always been known for great melodies and this album is no exception. In fact, I think this is their best album to date. Alex and Roy have released a brilliantly written, performed, produced and recorded master work. Stand-out tracks for me are "Isabella Vina", with it's stunning guitar work and Beach Boys inspired sound as well as "I Will Begin" which has some of the best vocals I've heard so far on a Poppermost CD. There's also "Concentrate On Me", which is a portable party you can take with you anywhere. I honestly don't think there's a weak track on this album. If you've never heard Poppermost before, this CD will make you a die-hard addict!!

Posted by: Pattie on 9/7/08 at 4:59 p.m.

Poppermost has a very honest sound, (kinda hard to describe what that means), but it just grabs you, and makes you "feel". Bitter Suite is very well done, and a winner. Nice!!

Posted by: DavePDef on 9/7/08 at 9:34 p.m.

I've heard a lot of different things about Poppermost over the course of time, but this review took me by surprise. Misinterpreting lyrics and misquoting liner notes notwithstanding, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I for one am certainly glad I agree with the comments posted here instead of the review itself. Great job Poppermost. You continue to rock my world on a daily basis!

Posted by: debbiedoozies on 9/9/08 at 8:29 p.m.

Dear Jeremy Adams,

I listen to different Top 40 music stations and I also listen to struggling singer songwriters and bands. If you listen to the choruses to "Damage" by Danity Kane and "Dangerous" by Kardinal Offishall (both on the charts right now) you can hear derivative. In my opinion, the song that you mention, "I Will Begin," is derivative only because Poppermost is paying homage to Queen, one of the greatest bands in the world. And nowhere in the album did I hear "tinny" keyboards, as you said for the song "Bitter Suite." This album is not just one sound, it is very eclectic, unlike some other artist's albums. The album as a whole is well produced, well put together, and has great musicianship. I was impressed with it. I would give it 9 out of 10. Thank you.

Sincerely,
FRA

Posted by: FantasyCat on 9/9/08 at 9:26 p.m.

"Poppermost certainly isn’t short on delusions of grandeur"??? I will wait while you get a Q-Tip. I have been a fan of Poppermost for several years and often pondered the reasons they have not signed with a major record label. Poppermost takes you to a place and time when music was music, rather than trying to be a bunch of teeny boppers all tweezing pubic hairs to hit notes to sound like the next tone deaf "STARRA." And lyrically? Brilliantly written!

Posted by: Mzfrogiestyle on 9/10/08 at 9:41 a.m.

"Poppermost uniqueness sets then apart from other bands. From your fans - Please don't change for anyone."

my bottom line: **1/2 out of ***

Posted by: rangreen on 9/14/08 at 8:06 a.m.