Power pop bands are often caught in a quandary. Their core audience praises them for their classicist approach, but if they ever want to break out into a larger audience, they have to modernize their sound, which makes their cult angry. The problem is especially difficult for bands that came of age in the early '90s, since they were weaned not just on
the Beatles and
Beach Boys, but also
the Pixies and
Sonic Youth. As a result, bands like
the Dandy Warhols are restless, anxious to make catchy pop songs while keeping indie cred, as on their major-label debut,
The Dandy Warhols Come Down. The band has talent not just for punchy hooks, but for layered sonics as well. As a result, the most immediate moments on the record are awash in a sea of feedback punctuated by pop hooks. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine