I've never been to the Vancouver amusement park Playland, but if it's like any other amusement park, I can imagine it. At first glance, its bright colours suggest endless excitement and fun, but a closer look reveals sidewalks slick with sticky pop and vomit; children are crying either because they are overwhelmed or disappointed.
Playland, the double seven-inch from Vancouver band Supermoon and undoubtedly a nod to Canada's oldest amusement park, also has two very distinct sides. Playland is a bright pop record with good dose of surf-rock, but under this vibrant surface are the uneasy feelings that come with stumbling into adulthood. It's this mix of light and dark that makes Supermoon special.
The dancing guitars of "Secrets In A Small Town," Supermoon's most sonically accomplished song to date, sounds like the frantic whispers heard during a make-out party, while the pain from the terrible romantic encounters of "Night Division" and "Witching Hour" dissolve with every passing pop riff; by the end of both songs, pain eventually becomes disdain. The highlight of Playland, though, is "Bottleships," thanks to its fascinating duality; it's a deceivingly cheerful track that begins with the buying of flowers but ends up leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.
Invite your friends and visit Supermoon's Playland; disappointment is unlikely, but bring your own cotton candy.
(Mint Records)Playland, the double seven-inch from Vancouver band Supermoon and undoubtedly a nod to Canada's oldest amusement park, also has two very distinct sides. Playland is a bright pop record with good dose of surf-rock, but under this vibrant surface are the uneasy feelings that come with stumbling into adulthood. It's this mix of light and dark that makes Supermoon special.
The dancing guitars of "Secrets In A Small Town," Supermoon's most sonically accomplished song to date, sounds like the frantic whispers heard during a make-out party, while the pain from the terrible romantic encounters of "Night Division" and "Witching Hour" dissolve with every passing pop riff; by the end of both songs, pain eventually becomes disdain. The highlight of Playland, though, is "Bottleships," thanks to its fascinating duality; it's a deceivingly cheerful track that begins with the buying of flowers but ends up leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.
Invite your friends and visit Supermoon's Playland; disappointment is unlikely, but bring your own cotton candy.
