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Pleasuresonic [Release date 03.11.23]
It’s only been twenty two years since Semisonic last released a full studio album (we had the EP ‘You’re Not Alone’ in 2020). Mind you, its not as if mainman Dan Wilson has been idle penning hits for the likes of Adele, Taylor Swift and more. As Dan himself explained about making this album
“My approach as an artist has always been to write from where I am now. It’s been two decades since Semisonic made a full record together, so it was interesting to write from the perspective of returning to the band and finding it inspiring but very different. I couldn’t help but think about the early days, about the formative influences that shaped and inspired us, but a lot of the songs are about the present moment in my life.”
Opening with the title track it is so wonderful to have a little bit of Semisonic musical sunshine back in our lives. Back in early 00′s this would have been a hit like ‘Secret Smile’. ‘All The Time’ is another hit single that will never be, complete with a sing-a-long chorus.
Semisonic have always had the knack of writing catchy tunes that straddle country, indie pop and rock with ease. ‘The Rope’ is a prime example and a song that will be on constant repeat and added to many a playlist for sure.
Little bit of country grit on ‘Out of the Dirt’, with Jason Isbell guesting on lead guitar.
‘Beautiful Sky’, with My Morning Jacket’s Jim James co-writer and co-vocalist on a song that sees the album out in fine style.
Bassist John Munson wrote and sings on the melancholic ‘If You Say So’, which looks back at their days of fame, brief as they may have been. Munson has a Tom Petty vibe to his vocals which make this song extra special.
So good to have new music from Semisonic, a definition of underrated music, and let’s hope we don’t have to wait another couple of decades for more music from them. The spirit of Tom Petty (‘Keep Me In Motion’) and classic pop songwriting runs strong through this highly enjoyable album. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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