The Junior League – Adventureland

Joe Adragna is back with Adventureland, a 10 song collection of hooky, pop goodness. These short, 3 minute power pop bursts go off like boardwalk firecrackers and stick in your subconscious like bubblegum on a hot, summer day.

Clocking in at under 2 1/2 minutes, the clanging guitars of “Heavy” start things off just right. The song felt familiar to me, the reason for which would come to me later.

The earlier bubblegum analogy is particularly apropos when one hears “Falling In Love”, a start to finish hook that bounces along with a sound that’s reminiscent of this old Brill Building songs from the 60’s. At the same time, this tune could also pass for an outtake from the dBs Sound of Music LP.  I got a similar feeling from “Everybody Wants to Play”, another winning tune. To my ear, some of Adranga’s songs have a hint of Peter Holsapple in them. Let me know if you feel the same way.

Other highlights include the classic power pop of “Queen of the Dead” and it’s uber-catchy chorus, the guitar crunch of “Town in a Box”, and a Scott McCaughey contribution entitled “Have Faith In Yourself”.

Adventureland, the latest from Joe Adragna and The Junior League is another one of this year’s best power pop LPs. Get your copy at Kool Kat Musik as it comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.