Pat Campo - Clouds In My Head (New Retalia Records)

Pat Campo is an ambitious pop artist from the Los Angeles area. After his previous debut, self-titled album in 2008, he is back with his newest record Clouds In My Head, an engaging collection of left-of-center electronic power pop. Represented by a look-alike puppet, Campo’s character is thus akin to figures like Frank Sidebottom or The Residents. His presence in promotional materials, or the lack thereof, also puts a greater stress on the music itself, which is exactly his aim; the casting of a puppet in Campo’s place is less about forcing some air of mystery, but more about focusing solely on the art he creates.

From the Blondie infused disco of “Something’s Peeking” to the acoustic California-punk of album-closer to “Retalia”, Clouds In My Head is clearly a record wherein Campo wears his influences and personality on his sleeve. It is also a largely personal work instrumentally, because Campo plays almost everything himself. Although songs like “One Last Time” and “Wake Me Up” may seem worlds apart sonically, the common thread is Campo’s acute sense of melody and a strong hook that runs through the entire length.
Released earlier this month, Clouds In My Head is already one of this year’s more original and ambitious albums.