ALBUM REVIEW: Hoopla – Weird Nightmare
Power-pop project, WEIRD NIGHTMARE, have put out their newest record Hoopla. Created by the frontman of METZ, Alex Edkins, this marks the first record released since the band went on hiatus in 2024, and blends together a range of influences from 60s pop-rock psychedelia to the DIY underground scene from the 80s and 90s, creating something that is as catchy as it is positivity-charged.
From the start the album is one of high energy, even during brief moments of seriousness, a fact confirmed with opening track Headful Of Rain. The first thing to greet us is an alternative guitar melody before heading straight into a pop-rock track that is overlayed by a slightly rough production, giving it a vintage tinge that ages the track by at least a few years. Add on an anthemic chorus with vocals adjacent to that of BRYAN ADAMS, we have something pleasant yet nostalgic, a fact that stays as blend into the next song. Yet a factor becomes noticeable that offers the main criticism we have for the record: whilst lovely sounding, a lot of the songs fall into the trap of sounding repetitive. Sure, there are elements and moments that allow certain tracks to stand out individually, it’s hard to ignore the fact that there is one obvious sound present throughout the album.
That’s not us saying it’s a bad thing, nor that it takes away from the overall quality and enjoyment one can have listening, but it’s something very noticeable. There are still little beautiful moments that put you in the best of moods and will have you in the mindset to be ready for the upcoming summer months. Songs like Baby Don’t and Forever Elsewhere have beautiful pop melodies with some doo-wop influence brought into the mix that are guaranteed to make you smile and would perfectly soundtrack any party, meanwhile the smoother production of If You Should Turn Away allows a more lowkey atmosphere and would be more likely to soundtrack a relaxed family lunch sat outside in the garden.
As mentioned, a lot of the record by the sounds of the 60s, namely the psychedelic movement, which are more prevalent on tracks like Where I Belong, that features a psychedelic infused guitar within a high energy pop-rock composition, while Little Strange has elements seemingly influenced by 60s beach rock sounds. Yet in that same breath the more moody moments, (well, as moody as this album can get), highlight the influence from underground scenes of the 80s and 90s with songs like Never In Style coming to mind.
A little repetitive, but still an album that can bring you joy and help soundtrack whatever summer plans you have.
Rating: 7/10
Hoopla is set for release on May 1st via Sub Pop.
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