I’m always interested in the artists that bands cite as influences. All too often, it is just a case of wishful thinking. But occassionally, the interest piqued by these reference points is born out in the music. Not only is that the case with “All Together On 3,” the new single from Chicago’s Push Puppets, but the names they list as their inspirations are all found in the well-thumbed section of my own record collection!
As a rule, I find that anyone who claims to sound like “Crowded House “ is either deluded or lying. Not this time, “All Together on 3” certainly feels like it could be found on a “Best of...” compilation, such is the poised and graceful mature pop sound found here. But that is not all.
Something in the honest and relatable lyrics makes you think of the best of Difford or Tilbrook’s post-Squeeze creations. The subtle and subtle strings gently evoke ELO at their most understated, and there is certainly something of an Elvis Costello vibe to be found here.
And yet, whilst hinting at those iconic artists, something wholly of themselves is running through the song and holding all these elements together. I’m sure, even after those name checks, as I get more familiar with Push Puppets, their music will remind me only of themselves.
There is an argument that there is nothing new under the sun, and everything in the limited realm of music-making will hint at or echo someone who has gone before. If that is the case, then why not remind the listener of such brilliant bands as those I have listed?
Push Puppets know how to make music that is vaguely familiar and brilliantly original; in short, they create songs that already feel like classics. This is certainly one of those times.
