Power pop is an eternal fountain of musical goodness, a synthesis of melody, repetition, and well-crafted simplicity that, when done right, is sturdy and sophisticated unlike really any other rock subgenre. From the Raspberries to Big Star to the Knack to Matthew Sweet to Fountains of Wayne and the Long Winters (a great band mired in bad Bean Dad vibes), it’s the soil from which ear worms emerge. Summer Sleeves’ “Want it Right Now” is one such worm, a breezy, taut acoustic jam that earns, rather than demands, multiple listens. Summer Sleeves, yet another new band/artist brought to my attention via Ye Olde Ball of Wax, is a West Seattle-based project led by one Jeremy Charbonneau, who seems to have taste and the goods as a pop songwriter. Summer Sleeves’ debut album In the Throes of Woes was released last April on Jigsaw Records, a stalwart power pop and twee label with a back catalog that’s very much worth exploring.
Cascadians can see for yourselves this Saturday, March 12th at the Chapel Performance Space at Good Shepherd Center as a stripped down Summer Sleeves takes the stage at the Ball of Wax Volume 67 release show.