The Aces - Under My Influence
Sometimes, it pays to read the full description. I picked up on this because I saw The Aces described as alt.pop but this, their second album, is far more pop than alternative. So this is not my usual thing and I’m probably not the best person to review it but it is good to get outta the comfort zone occasionally so here goes…
This is inventive pop. Guitarist Katie Henderson, bassist McKenna Petty, drummer Alisa Ramirez (drums) and vocalist/lead guitarist Cristal Ramirez don’t really stretch any musical boundaries but they perform with some genuine heart and passion. For the most part, it is tasteful and funky, topped off with some beguiling vocals. Of the songs, the standout for me is 801. Named after their hometown telephone dialling code, which brings to mind the tropicalia (the brilliant) Molotov Jukebox.
So, this isn’t really for me but it will appeal to fans of slightly leftfield pop and is certainly good enough to take the Aces to greater success. I won’t go out of my way to listen to it again but I will not be retuning the radio when any of these songs come on. And from me, that is high praise for this genre!
