With Rivers Cuomo at the helm for 11 albums, not much has changed in Weezer's universe.
For over two decades, alt-rock's Woody Allen has brought to bear a winning mix of crunchy metal riffage and charming awkwardness, this time awash with Beach Boys-esque good vibrations on Pacific Daydream, a paean to California guitar pop, where irrepressible hooks and infectious melodies are omnipresent (Mexican Fender and Feels Like Summer are set to soundtrack many a BBQ).
Though schmaltzy in places (``I'll be missing you like oxygen'') and with gleaming production which buffs some edges, the geeks may yet inherit the Earth.
• Weezer. Pacific Daydream. Atlantic/Crush.
• ★★★ (out of five)
Single download: Mexican Fender
- John Hayden
