Army Navy

Army Navy is the result of… sort of a Pete Best story. Justin Kennedy co-fronted the band Pinwheel with Ben Gibbard. Gibbard went on to form a little band called Death Cab for Cutie and Kennedy formed the simmering sizzling pop quartet, Army Navy. Maybe Army Navy is an attempt to gain direction towards that type of success or maybe it’s an attempt to try and put out some pop nuggets with a, “just wanna make music attitude.”

Army Navy is twelve tracks of indie pop standards. Track to track, Army Navy carry the modern torch and clarify the definition of true pop music for a new generation. Due to the successful pop craftsmanship displayed on Army Navy, the band resides in the ranks of Teenage Fanclub, The Lemonheads, The Posies, early Sloan, and a non-commercial Gin Blossoms. However, Army Navy has more impetus in the jangling than their predecessors – most noted on their highlight track, “Saints.”

Kennedy’s melodic vocal licks are well placed and accent the bands keen songwriting ability. His voice is reminiscent of a non-raspy Jeremy Enigk slash Peter Morén of Peter, Björn and John which adds a bit of sugariness to the album. “Dark as Days” is a slice of upbeat toast with Kennedy’s sweet jammy vocals liberally spread across it and dripping off the sides. There is a nice equitable blend of treble-y clean guitars and straightforward acoustics – essential to the indie pop sound. Lyrically, Kennedy keeps it safe but appropriate and true to the band’s style, “You’ll always be the one to waste my tired eyes/ You’ll always be the one I shy away,” he sings on “My Thin Sides.”

Army Navy is a full sounding unilateral indie pop record that fulfills your need for infatuation and young harmless lust. The record doesn’t do much in the way of exploring or experimented in a way that moves modern music forward. However, Army Navy delineates itself from its genre’s mainstays just enough… I mean just enough to be interesting and fresh.

Highlight Track: “Saints”

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