Album Review: The Golden Age of Glitter by Sweet Apple

Sweet Apple once again go bravely marching back into the '70s on their second album, 2014's The Golden Age of Glitter, and though glam rock doesn't figure especially strongly into the album's formula despite the title, "Another Desert Skyline" will doubtless bring a smile to anyone who recalls the era of bell-bottomed trousers and platform shoes. Sweet Apple, however, are eager to embrace all aspects of the era of big guitars and bad behavior, and it's reflected in the tunes: "Wish You Could Stay" is evocative power pop in the manner of Big Star or Badfinger, "Boys in Her Fanclub" is a dead ringer for vintage Cheap Trick, "Let's Take the Same Plane" is an acoustic number that allows the guys to get their wistful on, "Under the Liquor Sign" is a swaggering male bonding number with great harmonies, "We Are Ruins" brings just a touch of art into the mix, and "Reunion" has enough crunchy guitars, big drums, and shout-outs to the ladies to fill any arena in your general vicinity. John Petkovic sings this stuff with just the right combination of boast and authority, while he and Tim Parnin also make for a killer guitar combination.

Full Review >>

Review Summary: A little bit fruityAs we all know, music criticism has many different avenues and perspectives. It’s not all just about the sounds you hear. We also include context, history, potential and other elements that can be difficult to quantify.Upon hearing snatches of tracks from Sweet Apple’s second LP The Golden Age of Glitter, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re listening to the latest sun-drenched and well-dressed ‘alt rock’ (in the magazine sense) band.But…{Morpheus}What if I told you…{/Morpheus} that Sweet Apple also contain not only J Mascis but Mark Lanegan as well? Lanegan's isn't this record's lead vocalist though.

Full Review >>

Love & Desperation, the first LP by all-star rock & roll ensemble Sweet Apple, is an exciting mélange of pop, punk and ‘70s glam rock, with a particular emphasis on the latter. The Golden Age of Glitter, the four-years-in-the-making follow-up, seems to promise the same by its very title. In truth, John Petkovic (Cobra Verde, Death of Samantha), J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.), Tim Parnin (Cobra Verde) and Dave Sweetapple (Witch) dial back the glam brashness somewhat, but it’s all in service of putting the focus even more squarely on the well-developed melodies.

Full Review >>