Cheerleader – Sunshine of Your Youth
4/5
Philadelphia indie dream pop outfit Cheerleader began making waves in 2012 after a few of their demos drew in attention on Soundcloud. Originally a duo composed of classmates Joe Haller (vocals, guitar) and Chris Duran (lead guitar), the eventually added Paul Impellizeri (bass), Josh Pannepacker (keys), and Carl Bahner (drums) to become a solid five-piece. After signing with Bright Antenna Records in 2013, Cheerleader have been riding on their quick success with the release of their debut album Sunshine of Your Youth.
As you would expect from a band named after a peppy position, their music is brightly coloured, vibrant, and energetic. Dreamy and fluidly chromatic, Sunshine of Your Youth opens with “New Daze”, a summer tune full of shimmering guitar effects, and catchy pop hooks. The opening track sets the dynamics of the album: 60s-era pop melodies, glistening harmonies and sing-along arousing lyrics.
Heartfelt and upbeat, “Sunshine of Your Youth” combines optimistic musicality with realistic, disheartening lyrics about missing the good old days, and realizing the best times are over. Although it is a strangely conflicting ambience, the title track quickly becomes the album’s hit singe.
A few atmospheric (especially in reference to Haller’s singing style), B-side tracks made their way onto the track list, such as cool and crisp “Perfect Vision”, and the flowery “Haunted Love”. Cheerleader’s dream-pop style picks up for later songs such as “Million Ways”, “Dreamer”, and more notably the inspirational, uplifting “The Quiet Life”.
Currently on tour with indie dance pop icons The Wombats, Cheerleader have already set their career in the right direction, and now with an impressive debut album, the Philadelphia natives are solidifying their spot in the indie music world. Stream the full album via Spin.
