Elemeno P: Trouble in Paradise

Herald rating: ***

Step down Jordan Luck, because there are some new Exponents in town. Ladies and gentleman of New Zealand, presenting Elemeno P.

These guys - singer Dave Gibson, guitarist Justyn Pilbrow, bass player Lani Purkis, and drummer Scotty Pearson - are writing the catchiest local rock songs around.

Songs such as You Are, Pardon Me, and 11:57, from their second album, Trouble In Paradise, are reminiscent of the Exponents' string of 80s and 90s hits.

Elemeno P's first album, Love and Disrespect, sold more than 45,000 copies when it was released in 2003 and there is no denying their popularity. But with songs such as Fast Times In Tahoe and Verona, they verged on becoming a novelty act.

This time round the production, the playing, and Gibson's voice (yes, the man can sing, hallelujah), is a giant step up. And bonus points for not mucking round in releasing it, either.

Punk-rock producer Sal Villanueva, has helped Elemeno P come up with one of the best produced albums out of New Zealand.

It is as solid as a concrete pillar and it is a pleasure to listen to. But it has to be said, the production values will be the only thing that makes it listenable for many because Trouble In Paradise can get catchy to the point of annoying, or just plain tiresome.

But you have to bear in mind who Elemeno P's audience are.

They're easy to spot, they're the ones who will be jumping the hardest and highest at their concerts this summer.

This album has an age group in mind, and bugger the rest of you. For this crowd, Trouble In Paradise, will be a great big, party-starting corker.

It is simply a bunch of great tunes, and special mention has to go to the inspired backing vocals.

Not many bands nowadays use cheerleader chants, booming choruses sung by the whole band, and simple harmonies, to good effect.

Another crowd who will be into it - and this is where Elemeno P really take over the Exponents' mantle - is the drinking crowd. And we all like to do that over summer, don't we?

The cover of the Verlaines' classic, Death and the Maiden, is a surprisingly fulfilling experience, and who would have thought Flying Nun devotees around the world would have Elemeno P to thank for reviving a rousing Kiwi anthem? On ya Elemeno P. See you at New Years.

Label: Universal