Beautiful Targets [CD]

Imagine a more power pop version of†the Electric Light Orchestra, with a hint of†the Police†thrown†in, and you'd have something like the sound Hopewell†approximate on Beautiful Targets. Those†references might serve as either a zesty recommendation or a sober warning, depending on your†tastes. It can't be†denied, however, that it's well-crafted pop/rock with serious echoes of the 1970s†in its hooks, occasional dramatic orchestration, deft insertion of keyboard licks,†and assertive high†male vocals. The wistfulness of the arching melodies and general conscientious attention to†production and songwriting craft will also bring to†mind British aces in those departments like†Paul†McCartney,†Jeff Lynne, and (more faintly)†Ray Davies. The arrangements might be more†impressive than the†songs themselves, which like some of†McCartney's and†Lynne's can be more†interesting for their melodic ingenuity than their emotional or intellectual content.†Still, it's a varied†menu of pop/rock that's inventive (and out of step with the trends) enough to place it closer to†alternative- and indie-minded pop than the early†21st century mainstream, though it might have fit in†just fine on commercial radio about 30 years earlier.-†Richie Unterberger

• Format Detail: CD
• Format: CD
• Genre: Rock