Known for mixing and matching sounds and styles, Emperor Penguin returns to centerstage with Sunday Carvery, a 13-track collection from Kool Kat Musik that adds even more depth and resonance to the London, England-based band’s already ambitious vision.
For those who like to rock, there’s the raucous rumblings of “Fran Times a Zillion,” which is a tribute to acclaimed author Fran Lebowitz, and “Desdemona” brandishes a blazing blast of noisy guitars and punky sneers.
Not to be excluded, “A Gun and a Badge” struts and swaggers with glammy boogie grooves. Here, Emperor Pengiun puts a sardonic spin on a visit to the White House in 1970 where Elvis Presley met President Nixon, who then roped Presley into becoming an undercover narcotics agent.
A folky air, cemented by jingly-jangly riffs characterizes the Byrds inspired “How I Won the War,” and the illustrious Lisa Mychols joins Emperor Penguin on “Let Me Take You on Holiday,” as she lends her honey-glazed vocals to this highly inviting tune that balances a solid rock beat with a summery sunshine pop feel.
Space-age sonics meet new-wave psychedelia on “Sputnick Sweetheart,” the punchy innovations of “On the Motorway” hangs somewhere between brassy pop art charm and wonky progressive rock, and the mega-catchy “Love Is the Worst” slides in as a traditional power pop number shaped of ringing chords, vital hooks and cool harmonies.
Crowded with electrifying moments, Sunday Carvery finds Emperor Penguin bingeing on an assortment of musical condiments aimed to satisfy audiences with adventurous appetites.
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