Steve Stoeckel has been a visible presence on the scene since the late ’70s. Co-founding the long-running Spongetones and serving as one-half of Jamie and Steve are among the the North Carolina-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s shining accomplishments.
Stoeckel currently fronts Pop Co-Op, which also includes guitarist Joel Tinnel, keyboardist Bruce Gordon and drummer and keyboardist Stacy Gordon, all of whom contribute backing vocals. As well, everybody in the band shares songwriting duties.
Factory Settings, Pop Co-Op’s eagerly awaited second album from Futureman Records, has recently arrived, and seals their reputation as a tight and right unit. These fellows really have a handle on their craft, and know exactly how to turn their songs into soundscapes of splendor.
Jangling with juicy hooks and shapely breaks galore, “No Man’s Land” opens the album with a bang. Steve Stoeckel’s clear and melodic vocals rest firmly in the Paul McCartney/Emitt Rhodes camp, while Pop Co-Op’s punchy harmonies fit perfectly into the proceedings.
Big and powerful, the psychedelic-scented “Underworld” trembles and explodes with bewitching guitar riffage, and “To the Sea” features the stirring strum of a ukulele surrounded by a misty ambience.
Jiggling and wiggling with rockabilly rhythms, Pop Co-Op’s “Won’t Be Me” is so authentic that images of ducktails and bowling shirts are likely to appear before your eyes, and “Kissing Katy” is a peppy piece of teen-beat pop spiked with bubblegumm-y handclaps.
Riding high on a hard rocking bender, “The Price of Admission” roars with wicked guitar action and pounding percussion – and last, but definitely not least, “Catching Light” finds the band channeling their unwavering love for the finely-tuned stylings of both the ’60s British Invasion pop groups and select new-wave artists.
Although Pop Co-Op boldly broadcasts their influences, Factory Settings cannot be viewed as an exercise in retro-mania. Their energy and approach is fresh and immediate, causing their compositions to be stamped with their own unique imprint.
Stocked to the hilt with interesting ideas and impulses, Factory Settings rocks and pops with good intentions and succeeds on its varied levels. Refusing to sit still, Pop Co-Op already has enough material to complete their third album. It will be great to hear what this cool band comes up with next!
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