Baby Gopal

Fearless (Victory)
by Scott Hefflon

Ever wondered what ’80s bubblegum new wave girlie vocals would sound like with a guitar-driven mid-’90s power pop band? I haven’t either. At least, not without awaking in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. But New York’s Baby Gopal pulls off the impossible with irresistible charm, poignant lyrics, and enough twisty song writing so that only occasionally does the high-sugar mixture glob into sap. Elements of No Doubt, Missing Persons, Bangles, The Primitives, Tilt, and a tingling few moments of “We Belong” Pat Benatar. Topics range from “Shiva,” to “Confession,” to “TOFU.” Why they’re on Victory is anyone’s guess; but , I’ll bet we’ll be hearing more of ’em soon. Two gals, two guys – all rock.