In no small fashion, Topoader are a wonderful, populist brand of band, reaching out to the Euro-masses with upbeat, danceable grooves and gentler arrangements that smack of late ‘70s singer/songwriter pop. Like the honeyed, mellifluous material of fallen airwave heroes such Pablo Cruise, Orleans, or Firefall, Toploader’s tunes are catchy and forthright, without a “hidden agenda” in the lyrics or cumbersome musical technique to get in the way.

Tracks like the opening “Let The People Know,” “Breathe,” and “Only For A While” have a knack for immediate affinity, like Train’s work, sounding familiar and cozy on first hearing. Likewise, their cover of King Harvest’s “exalted of all-time, laid-back hits,” “Dancing In The Moonlight” gets a tender, retro treatment, complete with creaky mellotrons and offbeat handclaps. What they may lack in innovation (but frankly, what could be more daring in these times than wanting to sound like a 2k version of the Little River Band?) is made back with subtle hooks and super production. They’ve got my vote. to this.