‘Keep driving! Try something!” singer Ragnhild Fangel Jamtveit invites on Champion, the title track of Pom Poko’s third album. A serene song from the often-raucous Norwegian indie rock group, her crystalline voice floats over earthy bass and warm harmonies as she names the group’s greatest achievement to date: “Still having fun!”
Named after the cutely sinister Studio Ghibli animation, the four-piece combine surreal, often stream-of-consciousness lyrics with genuinely unpredictable garage rock. Its catchy, tumbling melodies rarely played the same way twice, Champion reflects on Pom Poko’s seven years together. On one of the year’s great drum tracks, My Family marvels at their ability to grow and change as Ola Djupvik’s frenzied efforts rattle and shake and exhilarate, propelling the band skyward.
