Review: Ariel Pink - Pom Pom
By Tony Cardwell; Contributor
[4AD; 2014]
Rating: 8/10
Key Tracks: "Lipstick," "Plastic Raincoats In The Pink Parade," "Put Your Number In My Phone"
Eccentric indie rocker and part-time retro revivalist, Ariel Pink has been making a pretty big name for himself. Not only does his discography expand almost every year with solo releases or collaborations with his backing band Haunted Graffiti , but Pink continues to make some of the most experimental indie pop ever.
Pink’s newest release Pom Pom doesn’t disappoint when it comes to experimental pop; even the more classic songs on the record still bring something fresh to the table. It’s Pink’s manic mind that really adds to the experimentation on this record and that experimentation translates to eccentricity.
For example, take “Exile On Frog Street” and “Nude Beach A Go-Go,” two songs that are just outright fun, satirical and strangely great. The production on the album is top notch and the choices of instruments on this record are fantastic. “Nude Beach A Go-Go” features this building tambourine with very surf rock drumbeats playing in the back, and it is simply perfect.
Both aforementioned songs also play into the overarching theme of this record: You be you. “Plastic Raincoats In The Pink Parade” is an especially poignant piece of music with Pink telling us not to be another “mannequin” while simultaneously giving praise to those who are comfortable with themselves, stating, “So wear your plastic raincoats in the pink parade / Because the mannequins are so afraid.”
But what sets Pom Pom apart from all other indie rock/pop thus far is Pink’s love of lo-fi production and instrumentation, paired with vintage song feels. “Put Your Number In My Phone,” “Lipstick” and “Dayzed Inn Daydream” all feature distinct musical styles branching stereotypical genres and decade-specific music.
“Lipstick” sounds like something Tears For Fears would drop if they were asked to soundtrack an L.A. noire-like detective drama. On the flipside comes “Put Your Number In My Phone,” which sounds like some solid ‘70s pop rock that Bob Seger would put out if he were a bit more eccentric.
And Pink doesn’t stop there, oh no. He continues to experiment with past musical styles. A more specific example comes with the two tracks “Goth Bomb” and “Four Shadows.” Both tracks play around with heavier, more deliberate guitar playing and the themes are a bit darker and foreboding in comparison with the entirety of Pom Pom. However, the inclusion of more interesting styles is greatly appreciated and only adds to the record, though in most cases it would subtract if artists weren’t as skilled as Pink.
Ariel Pink’s Pom Pom is an excellent piece of indie pop music. The high level of production associated with Pink is back but with it comes Pink’s crazy, very distinct mind. This album may not be a day-to-day listen, but it certainly is worth the time. The pop tracks on the record are perfect, the thought provoking tracks give us actual things to think on, and Pink’s very distinct and crazy mind is on show for the world to see. Please wear your plastic raincoats in the pink parade. Please.
