The Rallies – Serve

Last summer, The Rallies put out a really good record that somehow got by me. Entitled Serve, the album has all the elements of a well crafted power pop record; catchy melodies, memorable choruses and guitar jangle to spare.

Steve Davis, the band’s top dog, purposefully writes songs that have “a positive vibe and feel true and honest”. In that sense, he reminds me a bit of Todd Herfindal and The Meadows. At other times, The Rallies remind me more of Tom Petty or any number of 80’s power pop bands.

The opening track, “Don’t Give Up”, is a mostly acoustic effort with a killer chorus. The same can be said for “Every Now and Then”, with a monster hook that’ll stick with you long after the first listen. “Whatever You Thought” is pure pop and another uber-catchy track. “So Right” is a rocker that would have fit well in the late 70’s early 80’s period with The Romantics or The Records.

Had I heard The Rallies’ Serve last year, it would have very likely made the PPN end of year best of power pop list. Better late than never. Serve is highly recommended. Get it at the band’s Bandcamp page.