Rating: NNN
For anyone still mourning the Vivian Girls’ premature breakup earlier this year, there’s always Katy Goodman’s solo project to ease the pain. Her third album as La Sera is a fresh take on her former band’s love for noisy, grungy pop.
Over 30 minutes, Goodman’s candy-sweet vocals and peppy bass lines are complemented by newly recruited guitarist Tod Wisenbaker’s genre-bending melodies. On opener Losing To The Dark, Goodman’s sharp voice is blunted by 80s-inspired spazzy punk guitars – a fitting combo considering the singer said she wanted this album to sound like “Lesley Gore fronting Black Flag.” Meanwhile, on the title track, a plucky guitar solo carries the tune from a simple ode to summer to a punchy rock anthem. And while it would have been more interesting if Goodman had channelled her punk roots more consistently, Hour Of The Dawn is full of the catchy songs she’s known for. Now, however, she’s doing it faster and louder.
Top track: Losing To The Dark