Wake the President‘s debut in 2009 was greeted with a warm critical reception, but the band’s deft pop songs didn’t reach as wide an audience as they probably deserved. Undeterred, the Maryhill bohemians are back with their second effort, the gloriously named ‘Zumutung!’ (the German word for ‘imposition’)
Opener ‘She Fell Into My Arms’ displays the band’s hallmarks of infectious melody and wry lyrics, but as the album progresses you realize this is a far more nuanced record than their exuberant debut. ‘Your Expressions’ is propelled along by a brooding bassline and ‘In Youth There Is Pleasure’ has a similar post-punk feel. There is a new found sense of tension to the songwriting, and greater emotional depth. Erik Sandburg’s lyrics have always had a dark, neurotic streak and the music reflects this more than ever.
‘Elaine’ is the album’s most unabashed pop song, bouncing along in ebullient style, while ‘E.T’ is epic and affecting, showcasing the band’s more progressive leanings. ‘Stockholm’s Archipelago’ is the bittersweet closer, its widescreen grandiosity bringing to mind Mercury Rev at their best.
Time will tell whether ‘Zumutung!’ rises above the flotsam and jetsam of popular cultural and gets the recognition it deserves. One things for sure however, at just under half and hour long, Wake the President have delivered a concise piece of pop perfection.