About four or five years ago, the only people looking forward to hearing anything from Sugarcult would probably have been fans in the band's hometown of Santa Barbara, Calif. Now, Sugarcult is ready to release its second album, "Palm Trees and Power Lines," and the buzz reaches far beyond Santa Barbara.
Sugarcult's 2001 debut album, "Start Static," was released with mixed reviews. It was not until the band's single, "Bouncing Off the Walls," was selected for the college flick "National Lampoon's Van Wilder" that the band finally started to gain recognition. Sugarcult followed up the hit song with relentless touring that ranged from the famous Vans Warped Tour to a stint in Japan. During that time, the foursome, fronted by singer/guitarist Tim Pagnotta, found time to create 12 songs that comprise their sophomore attempt, "Palm Trees and Power Lines."
The album starts with a bang with the opening track, "She's the Blade." The chorus, which sticks in your head like a catchy pop song, is addictive. The song almost seems to announce that Sugarcult is back with new material, and it has learned a few new tricks along the way. The rest of the band, comprised of guitarist Marko 72, bassist Airin and drummer Ben Davis, work together with Pagnotta's lyrics to create a sound that comes off much tighter than the first album.
Pagnotta's lyrics are the only area of the album that shows no sign of maturation. While most will not be disappointed by the poppy songs, there are points where it seems Pagnotta did not particularly try hard to "craft" his lyrics; there are a number of simple rhymes throughout the album that make one wonder why he chose to write with such mundaneity.
Despite some weaknesses, highlights from the disc are plentiful. "Crying" might be the best-written song on the album, with a simple opening that explodes at each and every chorus. Pagnotta asks the question, "What do you do when you're alone?" and it makes one begin to wonder about solitude. The band begins to show its softer side with "Back to California" and "Counting Stars." Both songs showcase Pagnotta's knack for creating a sense of longing with his voice, while the rest of the band seems to drench music with emotion.
The run-of-the- mill Sugarcult fan will not be disappointed by this album, and new fans will be drawn in by a number of well-crafted songs. In a time when sugary pop acts are the norm on television and radio, it is encouraging to see a band like Sugarcult continue to develop good rock music. "Palm Trees and Power Lines" is a fun rock album that will stay in your CD player for more than a listen or two.
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