Canon Blue release their new album, Lasso Yo, through Temporary Residence. It's upbeat, retro pop sound is quirky and will bring a smile to your face... but its plus points are also its negative aspects - depending on your musical tastes.

The album contains 9 tracks (36 min, 12 sec) and on occasion it reminded me of an area of the synth pop sound of the '80s - a sound that was fleeting and only the nerds and uncool kids enjoyed.

Rattling forward 40 years and it's hard to figure why this sound still survives. It's light weight and a little unimaginative... but then every now and then a track like 'Plea Rel' appears and surprises with its flawless delivery. The LP closes with 'Germanium', an engaging, hypnotic and beautiful track. If only the album had been packed with songs more like this...

Overall, the album is mildly distracting, but it just sounds too outdated.

5

Nick Smithson