Power Pop Goodness!
This week’s #FeatureFriday is WIENER DEMEANOR by Cheer Captain. One of the first artists that I came across on Bluesky was Cheer Captain. I’m a nosey bonk and after a couple of film based interactions with Graham of Cheer Captain I decided to check out their music.
Sometimes this profile stalking can lead to music that maybe takes a little getting used to but not Wiener Demeanor. It’s immediate. Instantly I was taken back to the time I heard Fountains of Wayne’s first album. This is not a comparison by any means, it just has that vibe. That right mix between tongue in cheek and human musical stance. It’s unpretentious without being vanilla. It’s hooky as fuck and Graham has a dexterity with words that not only serves the music but manages to punctuate the brevity with deeper meaning.
The recordings are crisp, the arrangements are clear and to the point. At points I’m reminded of Cheap Trick, in others Tom Petty. It’s all delivered with confidence and then come the vocals, which are exceptional, especially for this type of music. There’s a cadence that is very pleasing. Add the tasty backing vocals and you’ve got a great recipe here.
Powerr pop is supposed to be fun and Cheer Captain’s music is exactly that. Fun. But don’t be fooled, it’s not shallow or one dimensional, it’s more than that. Please check their music out, start with this then mooch around for other Cheer Captain music here.
https://cheercaptain.bandcamp.com/
This one is a banger! I chose Foolin Around as my favorite track. Foolin Around gives me millennium power pop vibes, but with a hint of those great 90’s alt punk bands like Ween. I also think the song has a GREAT message! Definitely might think about it. He’s got a newsletter out I think you should sign up for! I dig stuff like this ALOT
Graham’s bright and clear vocals work perfectly with the distorted guitar to create a highly energetic and simply fun atmosphere. The lyrical attitude of each song is charmingly rebellious; it honestly feels like you can hear the sly smile and wink of the artist in them.
Do not make the mistake to assume these songs are silly or inconsequential, however. From vocal delivery to guitar work to mixing, this is a clear labor of love and an expression of a musicians personality, and I absolutely adore them for it.
Overall, everyone that has ten minutes of free time and is looking for a fun way to spend that time should give this a try. I give it my highest recommendation!
Previously…
The Nirvana Fallacy (or, Mania and Her Sophomore Slump) – Saint Louie
- #FeatureFriday WIENER DEMEANOR by Cheer Captain
- #FeatureFriday – Effusion by Sweet Freeze
- Beginings Revisted by Jim France
- Recording in Progress by Aaron Smith
- Believer, a.k.a. The Last Shall Be the First
- Scrapyard Boyz: Ultra Despair Duo – Grizzly, Slogan
- The Nirvana Fallacy (or, Mania and Her Sophomore Slump) – Saint Louie
- The Cocker Spaniels Are Still Alive, And So Are You
- X by Everything’s a Crime
- Take to The Streets by Eparapo
- Ashenheart – Faded Gold
- Underground by Trina Chakrabarti
- Happy New Year #Feature Friday
- Adrift by Angry Blue Planet
- Hells Bells – Dallas Orbiter’s Spaceman Things