An initial listen to recently released track “Bubblegum” from Brooklyn-based British-born musician Mark Crozer may give the impression that perky retro pop is the only intended goal. While the melody does speak to the pop canon, complete with handclap percussion and late 60’s sitar string accompaniment, lyrics outlining a dream-trip scenario suggest sweetness overload. The clever inclusion of Munki-era Mary Chain guitar chords embedded within the chorus (the overdriven second verse of “birthday” as direct tonal point of reference) shows the artist in full command of his influences. That song will be included on the upcoming album ‘Sunny Side Down’ which will be out on vinyl (and digitally) in early 2016. Mark and his band The Rels will be performing as part of International Pop Overthrow festival which runs from November 4 through 8 and will feature more than 40 of the best pop and rock bands from New York and beyond. All the shows will be at Bar Matchless with Mark & The Rels performance on Sunday the 8th. – Dave Cromwell
