This debut album from Pittsburghians SPONTANEO is 11 pleasant tracks of vocal-focused pop rock. Think Motion City Soundtrack to whom the album has a striking resemblance. Packed full of hooky choruses and sugarcoated vocals, ‘For Those Who Can Whistle’ is easy listening to the max. It’s catchy as hell but it takes several listens to really feel the flow of the album and even then you find yourself struggling to pick out one song from the next.
Opening to birdsong ‘A Map and a Car’ sounds sweet enough but carefully conceals angst and emotive subjects, which sets the tone and style carried throughout the album. The guitars are clean and catchy and drumming is simple throughout. This is seriously all about the vocals and whilst it’s enjoyable, it’s not very diverse and a few tracks too long. By track 7 you struggle to pay attenting, which is a shame because it turns out track 8 ‘My Valentine’ is actually pretty good. There’s so much potential here but Spontaneo must try harder to really break through.
LIBBY EDWARDS