The addition of Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand) to the process behind Pip Blom's new album is going to generate some ink. And why shouldn't it? But the tunes from this Dutch trio are infectious on their own. And what's on their third album, Bobbie, should be judged on its own terms as bright alt-pop.
"Is This Love?" snaps and pops like FF stuff, of course, but "Not Tonight" sees the group add choppy guitars to the synth-y mix. That one is a highlight here, as is "Where'd You Get My Number?", a roaring composition. At times, like on "Get Back", the tempo varies and the textures take center stage. The entirety of Bobbie is very reliant on keyboard sounds and a sort of Eighties sheen. That said, the material rarely stays in a New Wave lane, as most of this bursts forward with a lot of pep and vigor. Bobbie is full of concise stuff that's catchy and sharp enough to earn some attention and which should please those new to this group, and their established fans.
Bobbie by Pip Blom is out this week on Heavenly Recordings.
[Photo: Pip Blom website]