Spectreview: Powerbleeder – WELCOME BACK

Seattle band Powerbleeder continue to defy easy labels on their prismatic, adventurous new album.

-CHARTREUSE-

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“Daniel’s having a potluck at his house at six o’clock 
And I feel like a dandelion”

As unhinged and adventurous as yet-undiscovered Seattle punk band Powerbleeder have been on record, they’ve never quite attempted what’s present on their latest release. WELCOME BACK is titled pointedly; this is a new band, one that’s open to every avenue available to them. Throughout its eight songs, the band (along with a vital couple of synthesizers) dive farther into pop than ever, creating a prismatic carnival of dance beats and psychedelic detours that, just like the cover art’s mess of chromakey, feels boundary-less. David Plell’s Ren-like vocals provoke comparison to Kevin Barnes and Avey Tare, but those comparisons are especially apt here amid the soft pastel pop of the title track and the rollicking “ONE TIME LOVE.”

There’s virtually no ground retreaded: the bouncing synths and disco-like bass line of “MERI AND MADDY” fit right at home with the odd meshing of surf rock and hula of “MITAKA,” while “VOLLEYBALL’s” id-based explosions tie in neatly with the sideshow theme song of “ANDREA’S TOOLS.” In the album’s core lies “CAN’T CRY,” a stellar five-minute pulse racer that bobs and weaves around a point of longing, diving into high-gear like a rollercoaster. It’s the record’s most powerful moment of clarity in a otherwise ocean of surreal lyrics and youthful energy, all of which is neatly summarized in its manic couple of closing tracks. It might take a few listens for everything to settle in, but it’s clear that Powerbleeder have outdone themselves again on this release. Lovers of outsized DIY ambition and inventive melodies need look no further.

Recommended for jogging in Kinuta Park.