delectable power pop

the local indie music crusade continues...

couple is the quartet comprising of 3 malay chaps and one malay gal and they have been making waves with this debut release entitled "top of the pop". couple plays power pop so infectious that you want to cry. influences vary from the beatles to teenage fanclub to the ramones. using simple chords and catchy melodies, couple manages to create many memorable hooks worthy of sing-along.

if you need to be convinced, start with track #3, the best track of the album, a malay number by the name of "tentang kita". starting with an irresistible jangly guitar hook, it then grows into a real sweet tune filled with bittersweet melodies and vibes. it has teenage fanclub written all over it and i simply adore this song!

despite the overall brilliance, the album is full of inconsistencies and a lack of genuine identity. one moment they are like the beatles, the next moment unashamedly plagiarizing teenage fanclub. whatever their shortcomings, you can't say couple is not a fun band.

what is heartening to know is, couple is actually signed to US indie label sizzleteen records. i am sure this will encourage more local indie bands to do likewise.

from OAG to nice stupid playground and now to couple, the power pop genre may have been exploited to the max but it is still fun to listen to what a creative young band like the couple can do.

oh, the recording is great!

sonics: 4 out of 5
music: 3.5 out of 5