Coke Belda – 4

While world events have made 2020 something less than a banner year so far, there have been some excellent power pop releases this year. Coke Belda’s 4 is one of the best.

From the opening track, an upbeat homage entitled “Thank You, Paul”, right through to the finish, Belda finds that sweet spot every power pop fan craves. The harmonies are exquisite, the references interesting and the chorus memorable. “Another Day” (not a McCartney cover but an original) is immediately catchy and “Believe” is an acoustic masterpiece right out of the White Album era. The track also serves as the perfect lead in to “Oh Why”, a melodic story that’s got everything – interesting lyrics, whirling guitars, great harmonies and a monster hook.

My personal favorite (and an outlier of sorts if there is one) would be “Harlan Kentucky” with its Stones-like opening guitar. I can’t hear it enough. Other highlights include the harmony rich “Just A Dream” and the bouncy and infectious “Your Eyes”.

Coke Belda’s 4 is prime power pop, no fat. The songs are catchy, well performed and you won’t find more pleasing harmonies anywhere on the planet. It’s gorgeous.  Get your copy at Kool Kat Musik.