Here's an attempt at translating what appears to be a very flattering review we received for the album Soak Up The Gravy from the French website Jazz, Blues & Co.
http://jazzbluesandco.over-blog.com/…/emperor-penguin-soak-…
Released in December 2018, Walnut Fascia, the previous album by the London group Emperor Penguin, despite a positive critical reception, unfortunately did not bowl over the masses ... Too late for the 'best of' lists of 2018, too early for the tops of 2019. And yet, in the power pop genre, we have rarely done better in recent years.
Probably a little frustrated, the musicians set out their stall again in 2020 with Soak Up the Gravy released from January 10. Perhaps a little early to impact on sensibilities still clouded by the end of year celebrations. We will see...
Anyway, Soak Up the Gravy compares very well with its predecessor and offers us an ultra dynamic pop sound that invokes brilliantly the spirits of XTC, The Beatles, Sweet, ELO, Traffic, Big Star, The Kinks, many jangle-pop bands and even a little Pink Floyd on Hello Picasso , the introductory track... Only mixing with the best company!
In short, Soak Up The Gravy, has the quality to cast a large, very large net. "Ne vous arrêtez pas à son immonde pochette!" (I can't figure out what this phrase means. Literally, it's something about 'Don't stop at its foul pocket', but that can't be right. Can it?)
Anyway, foul pockets and all, we salute you, Jazz Blues & Co.