If I were to say that Texas isn’t exactly synonymous with pop music, I don’t think many people would disagree. On their latest release, “Heavy Sugar”, Calhoun appear keen to change that. Asides from proving that pop sensibilities needn’t render rock music any less masculine, this album also benefits from pleasant musical foundations and engaging harmonies.
There’s an unmistakeably Texan feel to the album evident from its beginning. Setting sun music, you might say. It figures, then, that frontman Tim Locke has a sleepy quality to his voice, as if dictating the tempo of the songs according to his state of mind. Meanwhile, the band show themselves adept at sculpting countrified pop songs that never threaten to become overbearing or unpleasant. “Thrown In The Universe” is a fine early example of how to make a real pop song.
“Don’t Let Go” continues in a similar sense although edging towards 80s synth-pop, and while “Indian Song” is hardly as simple as its title, it also makes for good listening. “Many Happy Regrets” revisits country terrain, detailing a scene of remorse that most of us will have acted out somewhere in our lives. So, any lingering doubt over whether Texans feel emotions has been laid to rest.
At thirteen songs long, there’s no question that you’ll get your money’s worth on this release. Reminiscent at times of the tuneful nature of criminally-overlooked LA rockers Stewboss, this is a release that merits all the airplay it can find. Equally important is that the album is almost exactly what the band promised. Good honest pop songs here. Resist at your own risk.