Pop Noi'Sop - Ornamenta

​Pop Noi'Sop

Ornamenta
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry
​

Hailing from Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, Pop Noi’Sop was founded in 2012 when founding members Tom and Josef started jamming in a small studio. Over the years, the progressive/alternative rock band has been honing their skills, developing their style, and combining a wide range of experiences and influences to create a unique sound exhibited in their debut release Ornamenta.

​The album begins with “Alchemy” a heavy punk anthem that combines soaring vocals, thick electric guitar riffs and persistently driving percussion that propels the high energy song through multiple verses and choruses at lightning speed. The following track “Miraculous Immaculate” begins with a slightly more tender, melodic style before plunging back into the band’s full fledged rock soundscape, complete with pounding drums and electric guitar power chords in the chorus.

“Glorious Technicolour” incorporates elements of alternative rock and grunge, as well as hints of pop and beach rock, albeit with a much more hard-hitting, aggressive feel. A short instrumental section in the middle of the song highlights Pop Noi’Sop’s ability to convey emotion with their instruments and the wide range of dynamics from quiet, complex ambient sounds to straightforward powerful sounds provides the listener with an interesting and enjoyable listening experience.

Returning to their trademark sound in “Power and Electricity” the band employs many traditional punk rock elements while maintaining a unique approach to the music that reflects the band members’ personal music tastes and personalities. Following this is a highly rhythmic track entitled “Spoiler” a tune which is arguably the best track on the entire record, thanks to its catchy riffs, memorable vocals and overall cohesiveness.

As the record nears its end, Pop Noi’Sop loses none of its energy, evidenced by the bright rock anthem “Castle” which only crescendos as it progresses through emotive choruses, layering vocals and instruments on top of each other to generate a full soundscape. The final track on the album “Lost Cosmonaut” runs the gamut of styles from subdued pop rock to blasting grunge, making for an unshakeable bookend to a spectacular album.

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