Chapel Hill group North Elementary has been around for over a decade now, crafting pleasing rock records every couple of years. Now comes Honcho Poncho, roughly four years since the band’s last full release, a consistent and light record that will satisfy longtime fans.
The album stumbles at first with “Return to Couches,” an almost tame punk track with an unnecessary female backing vocals over the verses. Thankfully, after this short song, North Elementary bounces back with “Way Out (Happy Here),” a catchier number that bounces along with funkier, electronic instrumentation.
Guitarist Sean Parker produces the best tracks, the surf rock-like “Hi-Lo” and the melancholic “Left Doubt.” Both songs incorporate Parker’s livelier, spunky vocals and easily stand out amongst the others, being a little more experimental in nature.
North Elementary knows how to make enjoyable alternative rock, but too often on Honcho Poncho the band relies on easygoing formulas, never straying from its comfort zone. Still, the album is complete and a nice listen for the coming summer weather.
