The Automatik

Outside Records, 2003

Reddish hair and pale, luminous skin
She stuck it in with an Ultravox pin
They say the Germans make the best ones

New Wave isn’t just referred to lyrically in “Good to Feel Like,” the opening track from The Super Friendz’ lastest disc. Teenage kicks abound in songs that could wiggle around comfortably next to tracks from the early catalogue of bands like The dBs and Squeeze. Even the album cover is a clever paean to the denim-jacket-and-band-buttons set, with the flavor of early 70s “Love Energy” thrown in for good measure.

But The Super Friendz are no nostalgia machine pandering to retro trends. The distinctive, off-kilter sound of the band is as alive as ever, with their killer guitar riffs, sugary harmonies, and catchy-as-hell choruses prominently displayed. The combination of quirky tunes (“Girls and Their Boys”), melancholy pop confections (“Take the Stars,” “Give the Sign”) and flat out joyful rockers (“Let You Go Cold”) is heady and addictive. Drew Yamada’s confessional tones offset the almost Ian Curtis-like vocals of Charles Austin, while Matt Murphy’s honeyed yelps have all the sweetness of a teenaged Clark Kent.

It’s unbelievably refreshing to hear a band that is sincere without being maudlin and wise without being jaded. There’s not a drop of cynical, mass-marketed angst in any of these songs. It’s music for people that love music, not Hot Topic, MTV, or SPIN magazine. Analyzing it too much would be a crime, so I’m just going to go listen to it. So should you.