THE AMERICAN PROFESSIONALS The Specialist (Ethic)

San Francisco-based The American Professionals dole out comfortably familiar powerpop in this four-track EP. You know the deal – loud, crunchy guitars and catchy melodies. So if you’re a diehard powerpop fan, you do get the heavy guitarwork (classic 70s styled) and the Beatlesque tunes, which suggests that the likes of Cheap Trick and the Raspberries might be strong influences.

It’s straightforward really. Personally, I like the subtle contrasts in the title track which does suggest that the band has more in its locker than loud and heavy. Always a good sign. That said, the adrenaline-pumping, bittersweet confections of Jump This Train, Down Low and Yet Another One More Time will keep the powerpop fans smiling.

In addition, check out bonus track Love is Only Sleeping, which is a gorgeous evocation of mid-60s psychedelic-garage rock.

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