A-Sides, the – “Hello, Hello ” – [Prison Jazz]

Philadelphia’s A-SIDES (and ace producers Brian McTear
& Amy Morrissey) successfully blend the studio-as-instrument
concept to a core quartet nucleus, resulting in much fun and
memorable power pop interludes. Recorded during a 14-day
period in August 2004 with the band in fine form, especially
vocalist[keys + gtr] Jon Barthmus & versatile lead guitarist
Chris Cosentino; with the songs/sounds styled along classic
pop-structure lines (# 1, 3, 8, 9) and/or psych-fueled
(# 11), the momentum is maintained across all eleven tracks.
Risibly immune to the supposition of trendy ‘scene?, this group
(much as the otherwise maverick roster of this fine Scranton
label) grasps the possibilities of pop as liberating fun – with
crisp riffage and inspired singing aimed toward a higher bliss.
Near mint/fine.

MITCH August 2005