Pom Poko - Champion

Bella Union

Pom Poko's third studio album Champion bolsters a more mature, secure sound. We're still firmly on the more artistic, stream-of-conscious end of the creative space, but a sense of control - confidence, maybe - has certainly crept in. The Norwegian quartet find a stronger stance with their awkward steps. 

Pom Poko exist on the stranger side of the 'pop' spectrum. It's a side which values ideas and oddities over sales and keeping up with the Jones', although it certainly is capable of garnering a larger audience. It can be gorgeous beyond belief - take the album opener or the title track for example - but it's the type of gorgeous that leaves the scars on show. Vulnerable in a way that pop music often can't afford to be. Relatable on a different level; not the vague-relatable that blankets the airwaves. 

Twee Pop with a screw-loose twist. It's a joyous celebration of the helplessly unhinged. Champion is on the side of left enough to intrigue and straight enough to remain listenable. Pom Poko know how to use safety rails; not to keep them or their material safe - they're limitations to letting things get away; getting out of hand. The safety rails aren't necessarily guarantees of a strike as such. But they do guarantee that they don't miss. Educated guesses around each corner, Pom Poko gently push on their parameters. Don't rock the boat, but it can take a storm if need be. 

Built for the worst, operate and subsequently hope for the best. Pom Poko are tough cookies, despite their adorable output. Confidence in the self is essential. 

'I want to scream, do you want too?'