Norway’s Pom Poko return, more tightly-knit than ever on their third album Champion. O Champion, Pom Poko delivers 11 of their most reflective, chaotic and yet considerate post-punk songs yet. With a strictly fully democratic songwriting method, and a focus on staying as true to their artistic values as possible, Champion is a fun, exhilarating and melodically dense listen.

Opening track “Growing Story” eases you in with its tight guitar and drum pattern before singer/lyricist Ragnhild Fangel Jamtveit provides her welcomingly warm vocal delivery. “Growing Story” tells of reliving glory days. Reflecting on past loves, parties and gatherings. Its nostalgic narrative contrasts the angular rhythms and fuzzed out guitar found throughout the song in a way that feels appropriate. There’s a melancholy that can be hard to ignore when lamenting the past. You can certainly feel that tension with the instrumentation in this song. Speaking on the instrumentation, I especially enjoy the fuzzy guitar solo that mimes the vocal melody in this song.

Pom Poko are masters of melding contrasting elements. On “My Family,” abrasive guitar leads the way before being quickly met with Jamtveit’s crystal clear vocal prowess. Disorienting guitar works its way back and forth before the band goes full power-pop in the chorus. “This is my family, I’ll be a man,” Jamtveit protests over guitars that sound straight off of Weezer’s Blue Album (in the best way possible).

Jamtveit’s vocals really shine on the title track of “Champion.” Soft, pillowy layers of her coo’s sit over earnest and quirky prose. Champion also see’s the band incorporating pads of synthesizers and some especially ear-perking guitar passages. This song feels like a moment of true clarity in the album. “You’re Not Helping,” pulls you in with its ever-expanding bass groves and the album’s most dissonant guitar passages yet. “What is the point anyway?”Jamtveit ponders before the obtuse guitar work of Martin Miguel Almagro Tonne answers.

“Bell” is another rare mellow cut. Even in a more intimate moment, Pom Poko knows how to keep it interesting; never missing an opportunity to implement a feel change or a dynamic shift. Easily some of the most spacious guitar sounds on the album with the fluttering guitar and vocals intermingling to become one cohesive unit. “Go” sees the band shifting the tempo back up. Tom Verlain-esque guitar moves, meet an urgent drum pace and vocal performance. One of
the more straight-forward tunes on this album, but still incredibly effective. Pom Poko have never sounded more cohesive than on Champion; delivering a welcoming collection of coming-of-age stories and deliberate post-punk musicianship.

Order Champion by Pom Poko HERE