`Back to California` is the first album of new material since 1998’s `Interstate` from power pop and new wave band 20/20. The album has the original singer-songwriter duo of vocalist/guitarist Steve Allen and vocalist/bassist Ron Flynt who were joined by Ron`s son Ray Flynt on drums and percussion.
The album opens with title track `Back to California` a narrative about a friend returning to California which prompts nostalgic reminiscences from the narrator about previous times together in The Golden State all set to a reflective melodic power pop backing. There`s a foot-tapping rhythmic texture to `Why Do I Hurt Myself` a number about self-recrimination with a hint towards a more positive outcome towards the end.
`The End of the Summer` has some delightfully distorted guitar riffs, a guiding drumbeat and vocal harmonies leading us through a musing on the onset of Autumn/Winter which at the same time seems to be a metaphor of troubled times ahead. We enjoy a more upbeat rumination with `Springtime Love Song` a churning, fiery rocker that is really summed up in the title.
`Lucky Heart` is a mid-tempo melodic rock-tinged number about a romantic relationship which seems to begin in Mexico where each participant says little but each feels blessed with positive vibes as this road trip/ adventure begins. There`s a trippy almost psychedelic feel to `Laurel Canyon` which mirrors the sound which has come to represent the neighbourhood in Los Angeles, California, known for being a centre of musical and countercultural activity in the 1960s and 1970s.
`When the Sun Goes Down` is a dreamy composition which relays an overwhelming devotion to that special someone in their life and how love shines even when its dark. We have a similar sentiment shared on `Spark` about somebody lighting up the gloom when dark times appear. It sits somewhere musically between the Byrds and Tom Petty.
`Long Distance Call` has a deep slow burning intensity aided by some powerful keys that add a further depth. A song that tells of a broken romance with the forsaken partner left bereft and considering as to how this situation can be rectified. There was also an extended melancholic guitar solo shared in the latter section. We enjoy a country-rock flavour on the upbeat `King of the Whole Wide World` where love emerges as the answer to the world’s problems.
We fittingly close out with `Farewell` a roots rock eulogy or homage to a friend who may have passed from this life.
There was much to enjoy on `Back to California` which was at times intriguing and inspiring, with some thoughtful reflections shared against a delightfully melodic auditory soundscape. Welcome back 20/20.
Rating 8/10
