L.E.O. :: Alpacas Orgling

My musical tastes have most definitely broadened over the years, but I'm still a sucker for the one-two punch of a perfect power pop song. These days, rarely does anything come close, until now that is. Ladies and gentlemen I introduce you to L.E.O. The band's brilliant debut release, 'Alpacas Orgling' is homage to the orchestral rock brilliance of Electric Light Orchestra. What's so compelling about the songs that make up the album are how they capture the spirit of that earlier music without coming off as retro or nostalgic, even while referencing Jeff Lynne's arrangement, production, and writing styles. L.E.O. is made up of by Boston-based popstar Bleu (aka, James McAuley III ), teaming up with power pop icon Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish, Tony Goddess of Papas Fritas, and Mike Voila of the Candy Butchers. The works of these musical geniuses make them power pop royalty on the highest level. L.E.O's aim here is to continue on the trail Mr. Lynne had blazed, crafting pristine melodic pop against a backdrop of classical grandiloquence. As you will experience first hand once you press play and album opener, "Overture", casts its strange magic on you sequin into the power pop gem, "Goodbye Innocence". The vocal trade off between Bleu and Andy Sturmer is a match made in heaven. A bright and cheerful overall mood is created with intelligence and poise. Other goodies include, "The Ol' College Try", " Nothin' Will Ever Change" and "Sukaz Are Born Every Minute". 'Alpacas Orgling' takes me back to a time where harmonies and melodies were a given in music. Where I could listen to a song just a few times before finding your self-singing along to a catchy chorus. Songs that soothed the soul, and rocked the house, songs that burst forth from your stereo speakers like it was something that mattered. L.E.O. is as close as anybody has to picking up where E.L.O. left off and that's the highest praise I can give L.E.O.. A musical masterpiece destined to be a classic.