“I’ve got my high-tops and my Walkman//and I’m ready to rock it.”

The nostalgic synth and carefree lyrics of ‘High School High’ – the first track off of The Perms’ fifth studio album – set the goofy, youth-obsessed tone to Sofia Nights. The vocal harmonies on “Said and Done” might remind listeners of fellow Canadian rockers Sloan, while the tongue in cheek song writing that exalts a walk-man sound tracked young adulthood is similar to the numerous pop-punk-rock groups that sprung up in North America during the ‘90s. Thirteen years afterthe Winnipeg-based rockers’ debut album, the group sounds anything but tired; the vaguely surf-style “Skin and Bones,” is pure fun. The lazy drumroll and guitar distortion of “Mannheim” is also packed with vocal harmonies and dance-able hooks. With Sofia Nights, The Perms pay a skilled, well-constructed, buoyant ode to youth, rebellion, and rock ‘n roll with a sound as full of aesthetic kink as the band’s namesake.

By Amanda McCulley
Dec 10, 2011