The second full-length recording by Philadelphia-based '60s revivalists
the Photon Band finds the group mining the same mod-psych pop/rock that defined its Darla Records debut (albeit with a bit more authority, and perhaps even a hint of maturity). Post-
Beatles, and totally ignoring the fact that "quiet is the new loud,"
Oh the Sweet, Sweet Changes finds the band blending its early
Kinks-style sounds with the best of
the Yardbirds and an early
Who-style musical backdrop, to create an optimistic psychedelic-sounding blend somewhat reminiscent of fellow Philadelphia mod enthusiasts
Lilys. The songs on this latest offering range from the low-key to the ultra-catchy. "Disillusion" delivers a melodic
Beatlesque slice of life, "Genius" opens the record by blending children's voices, delayed faraway vocals, and tremolo guitar, while "End of the Week" pops along like
XTC in the garage. With the perfect blend of delicate breakdowns and jagged riff guitars,
Oh the Sweet, Sweet Changes is a great mid- to late-'60s pop record (made more than 30 years later), and will please anybody interested in revisiting that era. ~ Terrance Miles