Armed with a cache of tight harmonies and '60s pop guitar jangles, this Manitoba group loves the Beatles and the Beach Boys equally. "Song for D" is the song that Matthew Sweet is still trying to uncover, complete with a hard rock and pop sound. Another early bright spot is the intensity each member brings to the sound, sounding at times like the Kinks. "The Hiro Okaya Travelling Trio" consists of a more melodic idea, resembling a Fastball outtake. The tune's core is a bit dull, though. The Perms rely on an impressive trumpet played by Nick Kolisnyk, especially on the mid-tempo and catchy "In Love," a tune that brings to mind '80s Canadian rock band the Jitters. Upping the sound with the guitar-heavy "Old Days," the group throws the listener a curve with a doo wop middle. It seems more like two good songs spliced together, but neither fully realized. "So the Stories Go" brings to mind Weezer, but is too lightweight-sounding during the verses. Titles like "Rock 'N' Roll Fifties" and "Maharishi Retreat" are references to the group's influences, the former being decent but clichéd while the latter fares worse. The soppy California sound on "Turn" is the album's low point.
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