Cycles
Wind-up Records
3 Stars

Some people believe that all old trends eventually become new again. Perhaps this is what Cartel is trying to achieve with their third full-length album, Cycles. Not only does the band get back to the sound they developed (and did well with) on their debut, Chroma, the album also occasionally dips back into the pop-rock trends of the ’80s. While the album does sometimes veer a little too much into sugar-coated territory and gooey sentiments, it is clear that the band knows their way around a pop-song. While some listeners may hate themselves a little bit for it, it is hard not to like some of these tracks. Released just prior to Halloween, Cycles is a sugary treat for your ears that definitely falls into the “guilty pleasure” category.

It makes sense the band would write an ode to their home and share their pride for the south. However, what doesn’t work is the actual execution of the sentiment. The frequent “oohing” on the chorus seems more ’80s than southern and the melody is lacking the vitality and sense of fun found in many of the other tracks. Additionally, although Will Pugh’s vocals tend to suit the tone and style of most of Cartel’s songs, this is one of the few areas where his inflection gets a bit grating and his vocals verge on hiccupy.

Cartel is one of those bands that, for as clichéd as some of the lyrics and messages are, their melodies can be hard not to like. “Only You” is a perfect example. It is a strong showing for Pugh’s vocals, which fit perfectly with this type of song since they are light and strong, but never verge on sounding thin. Sure, the track has that wistfulness that will appeal to many teenage girls, but, like it or not, it’s still a well-written pop song.

Similarly, “It Still Remains,” may be a bit heavy on the standard sentiments, but it has a vigorous, energetic chorus and a good sound. While it does sound a bit like songs of their less-interesting counterparts Boys Like Girls, it is easy to see this track being a hit on the radio. However, where “It Still Remains” works, “27 Steps” misses and sounds like it could have used a bit more attention in the production phase of recording. The verses are simply okay and the backing vocals on the chorus sound somewhat amateurish and unpolished.

“Typical” again is a bit reminiscent of ’80s pop-rock and the chorus isn’t exactly verbose as it is limited to phrases mostly along the lines of, “you’re so typical, so damn typical.” It is a bit tough to say if they were trying to be ironic when writing the lyric, “you’re so clichéd,” and while it’s a bit easier to get past some of these kind of flaws on other songs, the combination of them is tough to ignore on “Typical.”

To give Cartel credit, the album is a pretty masterfully put-together pop album. Will it be a “classic” in 20 years? Likely not. However, like all good treats from around Halloween time, they’re fun for the moment, but, like most candy, they are best enjoyed quickly and in the moment.—EVELYN MISKA

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