On the Radar: Heypenny

Nashville’s Heypenny are bringing amusement back. They list their influences as Wilco, Beatles, Coldplay, Radiohead, and Elliott Smith (quite a respectable list, no doubt, that is probably common among many of the bands I like), but I also hear the sway of 80s alternative, pop, and R&B in their gleeful tunes. I suspect they are in my age group (or near to it). Heypenny specialize in madcap, high energy alterna-pop, reminiscent of Dismemberment Plan or the better moments of the Arctic Monkeys. Their new album, A Jillion Kicks, abounds with energetic thump, flourishing harmonies, and electronic crescendos, and provides a grand soundtrack for the summertime. Stand out tracks include ‘Parade’, ‘Cop Car’, and ‘Give Me the Ball’. The featured song ‘Water’ is a raucous, energetic jam with heavy, strident bass line and Zeppelin-style, classic rock guitar interludes. A Jillion Kicks is an impressive and solid effort – go ahead, let yo’self to be amused. Click here for access to their catalog.