SHEER AGONY play June Records Thursday, September 6. See listing. Rating: NNN
Don’t let the dour-sounding moniker throw you. Sheer Agony make some of the brightest “jangular” guitar pop in Montreal. A new band made from parts of Play Guitar and Silver Dapple, they’re familiar with their hometown’s vital garage scene, though on their debut four-song 7-inch they pull from a more unapologetically poppy set of influences: Todd Rundgren, the Soft Boys and 70s Paul McCartney.
Okay, there’s a fair dollop of Pavement in there, too, bringing an off-kilter edge to the songwriting despite the jangly tones and polished production. The melodies are catchy and the harmonies sunny, but offbeat lyrics, distant vocals and occasionally meandering arrangements keep the songs on the right side of the twee line. It’ll be interesting to see what Sheer Agony can do with a full-length format.
Top track: She’s An Artist
