Jonquil - Point of Go

Described by one critic as "Paul Simon's take on The Smiths", Oxford-based Jonquil deliver their third collection of percolating, Brit alt/pop with Point of Go (February 21). Taking a cue from the danceable New Romantic period of the 80's while adding Afro-pop guitar lines and a vibrant Vampire Weekend rhythm mindset, Jonquil sums up the ten new songs as “far more poppy and accessible” than earlier works. While the dense layers of skittering rhythms and careening production jumble that defined 2010's One Hundred Suns remain intact -- what we saw as "akilter folk pop songs reimagined as jittery swoons and hummable tunes" -- the Point of Go sound is leaner and the melodies more pronounced. "It's My Part" sums up the Jonquil creative strategy as repetitive jangling guitar lines dance on top of a crisp, intricate and propulsive rhythm section, Hugo Manuel's vocals lilting from the ultra-catchy melody into a sugary falsetto chorus. The tone is bright, the beats are nimble, the feeling is sun-drenched and optimistic, a throwback to when pop music could be purposely lightweight and fun while maintaining a smart, razor-sharp edge. Watch the "It's My Part" video below...

Jonquil - "It's My Part" (from Point of Go)

Jonquil - "Swells" (from Point of Go)