Currently on a European tour with support from Wakey Wakey’s Michael Grubbs and Canadian singer/songwriter, Alexz Johson, Ron and fans alike are celebrating the impressive success of his latest album ‘Calling Off The Dogs’.
Opening with single ‘Lick My Wounds’, a slightly different sound to what we’re used to from Pope. With upbeat electric guitars laying behind a backing “oh-oh-oh-oh-oh”, it brings an unexpected alive vibe. A great kickstarter to the new record.
‘Explain’ has a darker, more mellow swing to it, yet it keeps the electric attachment rather than relaxing back fully to acoustic. Clearly very raw lyrics are captured on the chords, all being excelled in an intensely dark style.
A stand-out track from where I’m sitting is ‘Signs’ without a doubt, accompanied by the likes of ‘Nothing’ which features the soulful vocals of tour companion, Alexz Johnson, as well as the more familiar ‘A Drop In The Ocean’-esque ‘Back To Bed’.
The newer, more rock like tracks are impressive and bring a fresh face to Pope’s music, and who can knock him for that. However, notice how all the stand out tracks mentioned in this review are the creations more reminiscent of the older goodies we got from the widely acclaimed songwriter?
All things considered, the album as a whole is top notch and sparks a real maturity production-wise. We approve, Ron!