Sonically, Honeysuckle Weeks is a glorious collage of The Submarines' wide-ranging influences, from old-school dub to intricately layered electronica to 60s pop. 

While some songs started with a traditional guitar-in-hand approach, many began with instrumental tracks composed by Dragonetti, which Hazard then completed with words and melody, drawing on each of the their musical strengths.  The duo was also joined on a number of tracks by the Section Quartet.

While creating Honeysuckle Weeks, The Submarines were ready to make an album that "felt good not only to record, but to play in a live setting."

"Our first album was hugely cathartic for us to make, dealing with a breakup and getting out the sorrow, but we've been ready to freak out and have a lot more fun this time around. We're thankful not to have to make that record again, to be in a better place," says Hazard.  It also marks the duo's first album made collaboratively.  The record is as diverse in theme as it is in sound.

Honeysuckle Weeks has a fresh springy tempo true to it's title, evident on "You, Me and the Bourgeoisie" and "Submarine Symphonica".  "Xavia" takes an up tempo look at relationship uncertainties. "The Wake Up Song" might end up as a favorite childhood memory for today's toddlers, as childish faces singing along come to mind. 

A growing recent trend that brings back the pop and crackle of vinyl was used on "Fern Beard", with a girlish fantasy sound that is also evident throughout the disc.  The "Brightest Hour" has a wistful / wishful quality that could lend it to a soundtrack, while a more rhythmic sound is evident on the very 60s "Swimming Pool".  There is definitely an uplifting feel to the music and when you listen to the songs' lyrical composition, the status of ultra pop is attained at times.

• The Submarines MySpace 

This Reviewer's Rating: 3 / 5

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