"Electric" is a term essential to describing Pop Levi’s music. Not necessarily electrical in that he’s always plugged in and blowing out amps, but more simply: dynamic. There’s a polarizing desperation in his voice that basically begs for attention – not for attention to him – but for attention to the will to let loose and enjoy pop in the way that’s been lost on most "modern" listeners. Ecstatic and erratic, Levi’s album The Return to Form Black Magick Party is just that: an oddly mesmerizing call to a neon dancefloor for nearly animalistic reasons to, frankly, party.
With high-pitched vocals somewhat like of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes that are an asexual, universal cry for release from the pop standard, Levi drives the old glam bus into the future with rich catchiness and twists on the essence of what rock has always been about. "Dollar Bill Rock" uses a quick pace to churn a blues riff, jumpy drums, and unstoppable clapping into a swirling, infectious, alcoholic milkshake. "Pick Me Up Uppercut" is a fuzzed-out swing with darting vocals that aim to pick up anyone listening. It’s these sounds that put the past few decades of fun-rock into real context.
Levi’s snappy lo-fi sound hints at his gypsy-like background, and instills a sense of community into his music. These sounds could engage a group around a campfire, a bonfire, or dancefloor. "(A Style Called) Cryin’ Chic" has an outdoorsy, organic feel from an acoustic shuffle that seems almost spontaneous. "Mornin’ Light" is a magnetic throwback rock-out while "Sugar Assault Me" is a sliding clap-jam that will get a part of everyone in motion.
John Lennon, one of the pop world’s founders, was a master of the simple things, making them seem more textured and meaningful as if he never looked in the mirror for justification when he sang his songs. In this same way, Pop Levi seems to channel a greater cause to come together for music that doesn’t require as much thought as desire. There’s nothing fake about this pop, it’s true skill. This is one of those albums that helps tear down the pretension.
