Champion

In the years after Cheater, the members of Pom Poko moved just far away enough from the first flush of youth to start having kids of their own. On Champion, the band traces the stealthy inroads of maturity with songs about finding your place in the world and within your family, whether its biological or chosen. This evolution is most apparent in the albums sound. Pom Poko produced Champion themselves, and their cleaned-up, slightly straightened-out approach gives their bustling style more purpose. On "Growing Story," the grungy riffs that crack the song open make it sound as exciting to grow up as it is to be young. Fortunately, Pom Poko havent sacrificed any of their whimsy to bring clarity to their music -- the mysterious adventures of "Druid, Fox, and Dragon" could be just another day for them -- nor have they lost any of their anything-goes sensibilities on songs like the surprisingly happy marriage of folk and noise rock "Pile of Wood." While there may not be quite as many free-for-alls as there were on Birthday and Cheater, Pom Poko make them count; "My Family"s rapid-fire love song to building a life together and "Big Life"s brash electronic reminder to find meaning in each day are as wholesome as they are frenetic. However, Champion is most gripping when the band questions conventional notions of maturity. They dig into generational tensions on "Youre Not Helping." Over fractious funk, Ragnhild Fangel Jamtveit chides stubborn elders: "Youre from the 60s/Old enough to not be terrified of the future." By contrast, the title tracks oddball sweetness honors the youthful spirit that never really goes away (or as Jamtveit sings, "I feel scared and wild/Im the tallest child"). Pom Pokos increasingly eloquent way with ballads also leads to highlights like "Fumble," which closes Champion with one of its most moving sentiments: "Youre the one who feels like family." Since growth and change is at the heart of this album, its no wonder that it isnt always as consistent as some of Pom Pokos previous music. Nevertheless, Champions affecting, thoughtful, occasionally hyperactive songs open up new possibilities for the band and celebrate being true to yourself -- no matter what your age. ~ Heather Phares