Play Date We All Shine album cover
For whatever reason, kindie pop-punk has tended not to be nearly as boundary-pushing as its adult counterpart. I'm not expecting every song to be about challenging or countercultural notions, but more of this subgenre covers familiar topics than I'd expect.
Play Date, the duo of Greg Attonito and Shanti Wintergate, is no different. On their new album We All Shine, they tackle a song about colors (er, "Colors") and four variations of public service announcements for "Fruits & Vegetables." The musical packaging is novel (it's a PSA as delivered by circus barker), but the notions are common fare. More intriguing to me, then, are the songs that break those familiar molds to varying degrees. "Ninja Pajamas" is about, well, stealthy pajamas, but brings in Minneapolis hip-hop artist P.O.S to rap some of the lyrics. "Cardboard Box" rocks hardest, and follow the "show, don't tell" dictum -- by listing all the different things the box can be, it more effectively demonstrates the power of imagination. And sometimes all you need is a simple story song, like the grunge-pop of "Stevie the Fox," which kicks off the album.
The 41-minute album will have most appeal to kids ages 3 through 7. We All Shine fits the kindie pop-punk mold quite nicely, with an ear for crunchy melody. Come for the songs about fruits and vegetables, stay for the songs about ninja pajamas.
Note: I received a copy of the album for possible review.
