Into the Sun

This album has a large amount of tight power pop chords concentrated into nearly three-minute segments. "Headed Straight for the Sun" has a great guitar riff and a summer feeling along the lines of Tom Petty or the Wondermints. Lead singer and songwriter Danny McDonald knows a good hook and how to build a song around it, particularly on "Let's Get Back to Where We Started." The song also features some sweet harmonies and an infectious guitar solo closing it out. "Sleeping In" is almost too perfect and polished at less than three minutes. Jeremy Morris and the Lolas are solid examples of the band's '60s pop in the style of an edgier Beach Boys or Kinks. The only exception to this rule is "Golden Days," a lengthy arena rock ballad that is a bit aimless and lacking substance. "Summah Jane" is another highlight that mixes the harmonies of the Byrds with the guitar's sound resembling a tamed Noel Gallagher. There tends to be a bit more rock & roll than pop in the latter songs, such as "Transit" and "Slow Down." Drummer Geoff Barnes plays a larger role in these cavity-inducing singalongs. "My Sunshine" changes the pace with a scaled-down acoustic arrangement, but doesn't fit well with the other tracks. Perhaps this track is appropriate as the closer. Regardless though, the band has created a half-hour of enjoyable power pop for a summer day.