Power pop is a genre so tastefully delicious that it's hard to resist, and if it's done right it moves beyond those candy coated plains and finds a special place in your heart. That said, few can pull it off, without being reduced to caricature.

That's why I'm extremely excited about the recently formed Matt Smith and the Immediates. The name Matt Smith might ring a few bells if you follow local music circles. That's because he's the creative force behind Hi/Lo studios as well as Roger Bryan and the Orphans' guitarist. Toss in a new backing band (White Whale), who are awesome in their own right, and what you have is the ingredient for incredibly charged, pop-flavored rock'n'roll done right. You can't help but hear traces of Elvis Costello in these songs and that's alright by me. Check out the track below, or visit their bandcamp page to hear some more. The groups first show is coming up in May with the Cheater Slicks at Mohawk Place. I strongly urge you to go.