The debut solo album from ex-Smash Mouth guitarist Greg Camp, Defektor finds the retrocentric songwriter delivering more of the '60s lounge-ready alt-rock he has made his stock-and-trade. It's unclear what perennial beach boy Camp would need to defect from unless it's a humorous reference to his departure from Smash Mouth in 2008, but whatever he wants to leave behind, it sure ain't sunny melodic pop. In that sense, longtime Smash Mouth fans jonesing for another take on "All Star" will find much to enjoy here. Which isn't to say Camp has recycled any hooks, but certainly such tracks as the Duane Eddy/mariachi moment "The Maid," the hip-hop/dub-inspired "The Armageddon Slide," and the atmospheric rude boy dance cut "Beautiful Disaster" with their campy, trip-hop Austin Powers vibe are worthy successors to the Smash Mouth throne. Similarly pleasing are such '80s-inspired cuts as the driving new wave of "Cat's Game," the power pop infused slacker-office-worker call-to-arms "Wanna Go for a Ride," and the dewy-eyed romantic anthem to Camp's wife, musical paramour and backing vocalist "Gina Marie" that really impress. While it might not be the new beginning Camp had planned his escape for, Defektor is nonetheless a frothy, campy, and romantic run to, not from, the sun.
© Matt Collar /TiVo