Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 02/09/1999
Run Time: 55:22
Joydrop brings to mind screamy, girl bands of the mid '80s, who made MTV videos: big hair, pyrotechnics and lyrics about indifference and dismissal belted out with the intensity of a military jet formation. This is, of course, a much, much, more contemporary band than that, but their sound is decidedly retro, referring to that era on all counts (superior lipstick action exists in the '90s, though, everyone's agreed. The album cover attests to that).
"Breakdown" is a theatrical vocal and percussion night howler, sounding a little like
Joan Jett or even
Pat Benatar, even if those two are stylistically pretty darned distinct.
"Strawberry Marigold" is sweeter, girlier and more harmony led, reminiscent of
Til Tuesday's echo effects which, unfortunately, bury the guitar work. Things simply start to get repetitive right around
"Cocoon," which is indistinguishable from multiple moments on other cuts on the record:
"Fizz," "Beautiful" and
"Dog Star Radio," among others.
Joydrop is smart to exploit the compelling guts and verve of these good singers, although their stylistic range, if they have it (and it's hard to imagine they don't, given their awesome vocal capabilities), is something to be shown off as well. Powerful, un-mindblowing girlie rock.
~Becky Byrkit, All Music Guide