The new record from Latitude, Mystic Hotline, is a nice set of power-pop numbers. The Emotional Response release, out this week, is full of pleasant surprises, and the sort of upbeat indie-rock that speaks to listeners like me. It doesn't hurt that Amy Fowler's vocals and compositions are super-sharp too.
"Damage Control" sounds like The Nerves, while "Rising" reminded me a tiny bit of both early R.E.M. and The Motels. Amy Fowler's vocals are sure to earn comparisons to those of Belinda Carlisle from The Go-Go's, and that's a fair comparison when one remembers just what a superb power-pop band that lot was. And Latitude, on "Leaving This Galaxy" and "Remember the Good Times", craft music that's full of the ringing charms of the best college rock from decades earlier. The melodies are delightful, and nothing here overstays its welcome. There's something modestly great about this record, and I'd be loathe to trust the taste of anyone who didn't love Mystic Hotline as much as I did.
Mystic Hotline is out on Friday via Emotional Response.
More details on Latitude via the band's official Facebook page.