Recorded in the Red Light District, pop punk at it's best!
Cooper are a perfect example of how pop punk should be; good, catchy music, heavily inspired with simplicity and entertaining lyrics. Currently based in the Netherlands, the band recorded their latest 12-track album with legendary producer Bill Stevenson (Rise Against, 7 Seconds, Good Riddance and many more.) After Stevenson had finished mixing the album, Kung Fu records owner and Vandals' Bassist Joe Escalante heard the album and was more than happy to release 'Makes it alright' on his label and add Cooper to his roster. Finally an opportunity in which a European band can show the yanks what they are missing out on and how they can beat most of other bands at their own game, even when they when they aren't singing in their own language.
Their debut Kung-Fu records release is in fact their fourth full-length, previously releasing CD's on tiny DIY labels such as Koncurrel and Suburban records. Since their debut release 'Do You Know Not' 11 years ago, the band have undergone a journey of progression, in both their music and maturity. This album may not be the most energetic album you have ever heard but after listening to it the melodies and choruses stick in your head for weeks on end.
'Makes tomorrow Alright' begins with 'C'mon Give It Up', a song that summarises up Cooper's sound perfectly giving the listener a good idea of what is to come in the remainder of the album. The band varies their energy in each song; recent single 'Ship Ahoy' would create madness within any venue with its ritualistic tom rolls and tremendous pace. Following track 'Summer's Day' has a more apathetic feel which proves an interesting variation and keeps the record from being bland and indifferent.
With a sound that can only be described as the Beatles playing punk rock, each song has an interesting device to which it can be associated with. Whether it is the vocal harmonies in 'The Key' or guitar riff in 'Ship With Plastic Gold' each song is distinguishable from the others without sounding dramatically different.
Overall this CD is in fact a very impressive album from the trio. Touring with bands such as The Vandals and The Offspring has certainly taught the band a lot of things over the12 years of their existence. I'll be looking forward to hearing more from Cooper and I would expect their live performances to be a bundle of fun. This is surely the beginning for one of Europe's best punk acts.