Mo Troper's Gold is pure rock'n'roll, fuelled by the melancholy, self-deprecating sound of bands like Weezer, Sloan and Thrush Hermit. It's fun, fuzzy power pop for people who like Thin Lizzy and crying themselves to sleep. Troper's lo-fi sensibilities add a layer of vulnerability and humanity to his music, with every crack and quiver in his voice paired with seriously rad guitar, like a young Mr. Cuomo.
"Spraycan" sounds like it could be on any of your favourite late '90s teen comedies, with its chugging guitar riff and some of the best vocals on the record. "New Korea" is another fun, self-hating jam, as Troper bemoans that "I don't wanna be funny anymore" on the chorus — he's done being the butt of the joke. Penning these silly, sad little songs is Troper's strong suit. He never ever takes himself too seriously, either, as evidenced by his take on Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable," which goes from monster pop jam to early '90s breakup hit in its short runtime.
Unfortunately, Troper sometimes gets caught up in the emotionality of the songs, and things get a bit too maudlin, as on the whine-rock anthem "Border Patrol," on which Troper scream-sings the line, "I cried my eyes out" — it would be a bit much to hear a teenager sing, let alone an adult. Save for these few moments, though, Gold is a whole lot of fun for people who like to be sad and party at the same time.
(Good Cheer Records)"Spraycan" sounds like it could be on any of your favourite late '90s teen comedies, with its chugging guitar riff and some of the best vocals on the record. "New Korea" is another fun, self-hating jam, as Troper bemoans that "I don't wanna be funny anymore" on the chorus — he's done being the butt of the joke. Penning these silly, sad little songs is Troper's strong suit. He never ever takes himself too seriously, either, as evidenced by his take on Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable," which goes from monster pop jam to early '90s breakup hit in its short runtime.
Unfortunately, Troper sometimes gets caught up in the emotionality of the songs, and things get a bit too maudlin, as on the whine-rock anthem "Border Patrol," on which Troper scream-sings the line, "I cried my eyes out" — it would be a bit much to hear a teenager sing, let alone an adult. Save for these few moments, though, Gold is a whole lot of fun for people who like to be sad and party at the same time.