Vaudeville Smash - The Neverending Glory (2021)

They’re certainly not a band that takes themselves too seriously. They’re also incredibly nostalgic. When you take their songs in isolation it might seem like they’re poking fun at their influences, but their tongue is always planted firmly in their collective cheek.

The band delights in playing with genre, taking us on a wild journey through their musical influences. The opening track “Clothes Off” is as bold as its title suggests, a delightful disco-pop number that subverts the typically gendered relationship roles. “Sweet Pyromania” is every bit as sexy, with more soulful undertones. It makes you think you know where this album is going, but then Vaudeville Smash hits you with the delightfully unhinged “Banana Man.” With a soul-rock sound reminiscent of Huey Lewis or Bob Seger, it’s as wacky as it sounds.

As the album unfolds, Vaudeville Smash delivers authentic yacht rock, dirty funk, and even Italo disco. “Cuccinated” and “Nonna” celebrate the culture of the nation’s European immigrants. “I Like Video Games” is pure nerd pop. I could wax lyrical about other standouts, but I want you to discover them for yourself.