Generationals - Heza (Polyvinyl Recording Co.)

Two years ago, the New Orleans duo of Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer, better known as Generationals, impressed with their second album, 2011’s Actor-Caster, a blast of sunny, fun pop music that offered an interesting hybrid of R&B and New Wave. I am happy to report that they’ve not messed with that charming formula, as Heza is equally sunny and fun as its predecessor. Whether it’s the fun, finger-snapping bluesy “I Don’t Know,” the calypso style of “Kemal,” or the catchy New Wave stylings of “Say When” and “Awake,” Generationals fans won’t be disappointed by what they find, and new listeners will be won over by the duo’s charms. The pace is always upbeat; though a song or two are sad, such sadness can’t blanket the upbeat nature of Heza. A fun, enjoyable, easy-on-the-ears listening experience.