Loving bands such as the Raspberries, Big Star, and Teenage Fanclub – purveyors of ebullient, hook-laden pop-rock – is one thing. Expecting anyone other than Teenage Fanclub – and, sometimes, Sam Phillips -- to sound like that at this point is another. For sure, the wish isn’t at the top of my hope chest. Maybe that’s why the string of diamond-bright songs on Onward Chariot’s full-length debut, This Is My Confession, is such a nice surprise.

To get the big deal that this is ( at least in my world), you have to know how much I love the Raspberries, Big Star, and Teenage Fanclub. As with the Beatles, Kinks, and a number of others that came before those power pop classicists, I don’t have to choose between great melodies and driving beats; getting both in the same songs. I don’t have to single out certain tracks to mix onto my new driving or mood-lifting mixes. ‘Cause song after song is good enough to just let the whole thing roll along as I dance and wash the dishes; letting the cat in or out for what seems like the 50th time that day.

Really glad I found out about Onward Chariots A band that tackles the basic four-piece, classic rock format without a trace of irony; full of heart and talent? That’s something to smile about. I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Collins, Peter Case, or Todd Rundgren signs on to produce the band’s next release.

www.onwardchariots.com