(Pennsylvania, 12/20/07) If you can’t take another sub-genre of rock music, sorry, but here you go. Chamber pop incorporates orchestral movements with catchy hooks and low-fi rock. Initially introduced as a part of the British Invasion with Merseybeat bands such as Herman’s Hermits and Gerry and the Pacemakers, the genre saw a decline in popularity in the mid-70’s, but remained a guilty pleasure for closeted fans of XTC and Roxy Music. Resurrecting the bubblegumalicious sound of 1966 pop music is Steve Goldberg and the Arch Enemies.

Lead by guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer Steve Goldberg, the Arch Enemies began as a concept so he call himself something when he played shows, no matter who was playing with him. The current touring line-up has been together since May 2007. Their first order of business of the newly formed quartet was to follow-up Steve’s solo debut.

Utilizing the endless benefits of the studio, Goldberg creates music akin to the Beatles Revolver or the Beach Boys Pet Sounds, complete with grand scale production. Goldberg’s vocals sound slightly British, which is weird; he’s from Pittsburgh. The album is chock-full of over-the-top construction as Goldberg utilized musicians from Carnegie Mellon University of Music to lay down the majestic string parts. By the time the tape was reading to be mixed, the he had added harpsichords and trombones, vibraphones and glockenspiels, flutes and French horns.

Songs such as “The Road” throw a definite nod towards 60ish summer pop. Goldberg does go serious on us with the tender ballads, “Summer’s Ending” and “Julia” which each have a “Ferry Across the Mersey” vibe. Goldberg and company take the listener on a James Bond-ish ride with “The Spy Part 1″.

The result of the multi-layering of instruments coupled with creative songwriting and excellent musicianship is a polished and thoughtful compilation of songs. In other words, it’s groovy baby, yea!

The Road:

Julia:

The Spy Part 1:

- By Tony Engelhart for The Stonewailer

Tony Engelhart is a music journalist based in Seattle. He has been doing this professionally for seven years and his articles have appeared in Seattle Sound, Seattle’s Blues to Do, Crud in the UK, Glide in Boston, Hybrid in Denver and he is a staff writer for the Tacoma-based arts and entertainment paper, the Weekly Volcano.

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