Pomegranates – Everything Is Alive

The Pomegranates described here are not several-celled reddish berries the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor, but rather an indie-rock quartet that create a more expansive and attractive sound than what is expected from what on the surface, appears to be basic instrumentation: guitars, keyboards, drum and bass. This is a testament to the original songwriting and charismatic flavor in which the songs are presented.

Most of the tracks are fairly straight-forward, guitar-based indie-rock tunes with elements that are immediately fetching, but repeated plays allow the subtle warm textures to creep into your consciousness, so when the disc finishes you’re left with a satisfying listening experience.

At the center of the overall sound is sprightly guitar pop reminiscent of Tanya Donelly that is surrounded by rich, layered guitar sounds and superior boy/girl vocals. The impressive blithe pop songs are formed into dynamic and vibrant tunes that pack some power and buzz, the highlight being the alluring, sweet guitar accents that range from the atmospheric swirls of South to the more biting tones of Modest Mouse.

Mostly though, like Wye Oak, Pomegranates’ songs are genuine, original compositions brought to life with rhythmic bass and drums amid cunning melodies, shoegazey and airy guitars and played with an assured confidence, resulting in some emotive indie-rock. If Pomegranates continue to hone their craft and grow their already commendable sound, you can expect them to make an even bigger splash on their next album.

Recommended Tracks: “Late Night Television”, “Appreciations” and “Desert Hymn”