CD of The Week

Peter Bjorn and John - Breakin' Point (Kobalt)

The Swedish trio of Peter Bjorn and John whistled their way onto the scene a decade ago with 'Young Folks' and have been making enjoyable indie-pop tunes ever since. Their last album was the slightly more rocking Gimme Some, which featured 'Second Chance,' the single that ended up as the theme to 2 Broke Girls. After five years, the trio is back with Breakin' Point, putting a glossier sheen on their melodic tunes.

The shinier production can be easily attributed to their producers on Breakin' Point, who include Paul Epworth (Florence + The Machine, Foster The People), Emile Haynie (Lana Del Rey) and the ubiquitous Greg Kurstin (Tegan and Sara, Beck).

The record kicks off with the pounding, poppy 'Dominos' and never really looks back. 'Love Is What You Want' is built on a very '80s keyboard melody that feels like a song you've heard a million times but just can't place. PB&J fill Breakin' Point with great big hooks such as Arnold Jackson's favorite song of 2016, 'What You Talking About?'

Breakin' Point is simply a fun, enjoyable album from start to finish with plenty of great harmonies along the way. The tunes may start to blend together after a while but there's never a dull moment or slow spot ' just a steady stream of likable tracks from three guys who've put a fine point on the songwriting process. Peter Bjorn and John are back in Philly at The Trocadero on September 23rd.
Review by Joey O.