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2nd Grade - "Easy Listening" | Album Review

by Eric Foreman (@ericforemanDPT)

In the perpetually rear facing world that power pop inhabits, the nostalgia is sweet. The images, sounds, and false memories are vivid – evoking an idyllic past to occasionally side step the problems of the present. A giddy soundtrack filled to the brim with melody and earnestness. It sounds as relieving and free as escapism often feels. Despite the simplicity that seems inherent to the music of this genre, its creators are often very skilled and very meticulous. The early surveyors on the committed quest to discover the perfect pop song have dropped off countless hits, influenced many, and even innovated songwriting and recording techniques. Currently, the resurgence of power pop simultaneously throws back to the early days and attempts to pick up where they left off. Philly’s 2nd Grade have been prolific as present-day power pop purists, dropping an album a year since their debut in 2020. Their latest record Easy Listening is a referential, at times quirky effort that refines the band’s strengths into their most concise and enjoyable record yet. 

Initially starting as a creative outlet for singer/songwriter Peter Gill, the band has seen increasingly more collaborative efforts as they have progressed. Nevertheless, Gill’s prints are ever present among the wistful and sometimes sardonic landscape present in Easy Listening. Intro “Cover of Rolling Stone” and “Kramer in L.A.” cast towards an era either gleefully enjoyed by Gill and peers alike or longingly adored by “born in the wrong generation” younger listeners. The former drops references to landline phones, MTV, VH1, Foo Fighters and Tom Petty – a grab bag of 90’s pop culture. The latter a note written by Cosmo Kramer to his friend Jerry Seinfeld before his immediately doomed move from NYC to LA. Fitting that despite the band’s Philly roots – Cali sunshine brightly gleams over the many of the album cuts whether the more direct Beach Boys (and Beatles) throw on “Wouldn’t it Be Nice to Let it Be” or the bouncy “Beat of the Drum”. Highlight “Strung Out on You” deftly catches the ear with a stomping beat backed with claps and topped with jangly guitars and crooning vocal melodies. This combination is 2nd Grade at its best, planting loving earworms in each listener destined to grow into true fandom. 

An interesting aspect of this record is Gill and co.’s ability to maintain the almost cloying cheeriness throughout the variety of production present. Songs were recorded as DIY as iPhone speakers to as buttoned up as a professional studio giving the album a Guided By Voices-like collage feel. “Poet In Residence” sounds like it is being played unknowingly from a nearby friend’s pocket, where the production on “Hung Up” feels much more intentional – each element existing in its rightful place. The through line of melodic depth adds cohesiveness to an otherwise disorganized collection of sonic takes.

As the 90’s and aughts revival continues to kick into high gear, the new wave of power pop is here to soundtrack the time travel. Among the current leaders, 2nd Grade continue to skillfully lace records with engaging sonic pleasantries designed to hum, nod and groove along to. Easy Listening is not only true in its self-description but it is what any self-respecting nostalgia trip is… fun.