Five O'Clock Heroes

It seems like the early 21st century is loaded with alt rock acts that sound like new wave acts circa the late ‘70s/early ‘80s. But probably in most cases, it's a haphazard coincidence, as the groups in question were merely influenced by third generation new wavers - who have no bloody idea who the heck Joe Jackson is. But then there is Five O'Clock Heroes, who specialize in a style known as ‘jerk pop' (due to their fondness for slashing "Roxanne"-esque guitar lines), and draws from a musical vocabulary that is unmistakably straight from Look Sharp! and This Year's Model on their 2007 debut, Bend to the Breaks. Listening to such ditties as "Time on My Hands" and "Good Lovers," it's mighty hard not to think how swell these uptempo ditties would have sounded as part of the soundtracks to Fast Times At Ridgemont High or The Last American Virgin. Sticky sweet power pop (which is entirely keyboard-less) never goes out of style -- especially when it's loaded with hooks -- and Five O'Clock Heroes sure can craft a instantly memorable pop gem, as Bend to the Breaks is loaded with ‘em. ~ Greg Prato , All Music Guide