For those that came in late Sydney powerpop band, Montana , is a rare beast in this new century of popular music.
Perhaps the rarest of beasts: a crisp, clear understanding of a pop song, a hold on history with the inclusion of a guitar or two,
the appropriate embrace of modern technology and more hooks than a tackle shop.
The last two years have been busy for the Montana popsters. In between touring the UK, Spain, Australia and the USA the lads managed to finish their second long player, "Starsign:Tarantula".
Just like the band's debut album, "Bubblegum Love", "Starsign:Tarantula" is bursting with catchy guitar hooks and inventive pop melodies, while going one louder with so-catchy-you-can't-stop-singing-em tunes. From the subtle, wistful love song "Blondes Against Brunettes" to the downright brutal "Rejected", the album is a sonic feast with something for everyone. Lush boy/girl vocal arrangements (reminiscent of Montana 's previous single "Nearer") grace the electric blast that is "MTV", while "Good Goes Bad", "Saturday Night" and the breezy-as-a-summer's-day "Summerscool" are all simply poptastic. Melodically sweet yet lyrically dark, the tracks beg repeated listens - and with this album of toe tappers, you'll be compelled to oblige! Although the melancholy strains of "Stalki Blues" and "Wait' push the boundaries of "powerpop", they bristle with hooks sharp enough to get under your skin, and that's got to be a good thing! Love powerpop, love "Starsign:Tarantula".
"Starsign:Tarantula" is due for release in October by Lojinx (UK/Europe) / Laughing Outlaw Records (Australia) / Rock Indiana (Spain).