The slack jawed audio sample that begins this EP sets a tone like many other humorous pop punk groups, a promising sign. Southern Arizona’s Pop Icons instantly launch into a full throttle punk sound that reminds me of many things I’ve heard before. Catchy lyrics and sharp chords played on distorted guitars sounds very normal and competent. Two vocalists trade duties with very different styles, one raspy and one kind of sweet. The experience of all these players is very evident, but nothing exciting is produced as a result. Every member seemingly has a good deal of time in the genre. This helps move the over simplified structures along quickly and with a cool that allows you to forget it’s cliche.
Guitar leads make me think these songs were written first on a guitar and later presented to a band in a carpeted practice space. The vocals come across as a “perceived as necessary” after-thought and everything else is just icing on the top of a store bought cake. The drum parts risk very little deviation and the bass line is just following the distorted guitar motif. When the two vocalists unite it blends into the most tolerable version of this pop punk safety zone. Running from demons, far from home — yeah yeah yeah. Comfortable and familiar. . .
Rooftop drinking stories are the topic of yet another pop punk song. This one doesn’t even pretend to hide its common standing in the genre. Sometimes we hear bits of poetry in this types of groups, but I have yet to be impressed by Pop Icons. The bass playing finds a ragged edge at times, leading in a diving manner. References to home and the miles the artists have traveled make me forget the song before it’s over.
When the two vocalists alternate, Pop Icons are at their best. I wonder what their song writing process is like in that rented room. The songs I perceive as collaborative have a strong voice that gets away from some of their more self centered lyrics. The backing vocals are really successful behind stereotypically repeated lead vocals at the end of a song.
The final tune on this EP has a sound and word play that borders on pet peeve for this consumer. References to T.V. and the word reality. The verse they step into provides enough relief to find space from the offense but it never rises above a place that obtains full forgiveness. I hope Pop Icons make a great record someday. For now this is a very safe version of many other bands, played by people who know what they are doing but haven’t taken enough risks in my opinion.
