Three albums in, Sheer Mag's unparalleled ability to inspire anemia (a specific term referring to nostalgia for a time we never lived through) shows no signs of slowing down. The Philadelphian uses staple classic rock riffs and seemingly off-the-cuff hooks, fed through a production that exudes record-like warmth at the same time as 21st-century precision, often like an episode of Quantum's Leap. It feels like. A portal to some kind of grungy dive bar somewhere in an indeterminate part of America that may only really exist on screen. But there's a fine line between using a formula and sticking to it, and the clever way Sheer Mag does the former is what makes Playing Your Favorites so appealing.
The jittery guitars of “I Gotta Go” may have the obvious feel of double denim without the irony, but combined with the 60s pop melody and almost Motown props, it creates a delightful effect. I am. “Paper Time” combines a punk chorus with 50's doo-wop backing vocals and chord changes, while the gang vocals of “All Lined Up” have a soft, driving AM radio vibe. It's a track that falls somewhere between rock and disco's “The Hustle.” Both sounds create instant hooks, bringing us to New York post-punkers Parquet Court at their funkiest. And whether it's a reflection or an incitement, “Mechanical Garden” sounds like a literal time traveler, with its classic riff dissected into dreamy, cinematic strings before a glistening '80s synth emerges. Then the song changes further into another funky shuffle. Still, their solid sonic palette makes everything sound consistent. Particularly thanks to Tina Halladay's vocals, which have the roar that made the group their name, but also have memorable soft moments. Let's take a closer look at “When You Get Back.” It's a sentimental number with a “50s to her 70s” premise that would fit perfectly on the Grease soundtrack. The best moment, of course, is the pop moment of “Moonstruck,” with its enviable chorus and sense of pure joy in your ears. Sheer Mag is as good as ever at creating an atmosphere, and this time it's positively fun.