pOp*stAr*kiDs - Rise and Fall of pOp*stAr*kiDs

All Music Guide

This album, the second from New York City's pOpstArkiDs, is cut from the same sonic cloth as its predecessor; using the modern recording techniques and programming concepts of electronica to flesh out their gleefully unusual power pop anthems, the band delivers hooks and ear candy galore. Lurking under the deceptively simple songs are real musical smarts and songwriting sophistication that never diminish the immediacy of the material. Otherwise, pOpstArkiDs explore a broader range of tonal and emotional colors this time around that make The Rise and Fall a more balanced listen than the debut; fist-in-the-air anthems like "Let's Get Ready" and "Do the Crash" are tempered with more unusual and complex ideas like the autumnal "Witchlight" and the bizarre but sweet "Let's Get Close." Great stuff.

- Daisy Ridge, All Music Guide