Honeymoon Suite’s inaugural self-titled album is an honest attempt at straightforward, power pop, and for the most part they deliver the goods. Rough around the edges and striated with keyboards, much of this album contains hardened guitar work painted with up-tempo choruses that hold their own. “New Girl Now” is a pleasing opener full of bluster and bite, with the help of the guitar-driven melody. “Burning in Love” sounds a wee bit empty, but the piercing synthesizer keeps it alive. Two other singles, “Wave Babies” and “Stay in the Light,” present a brash, typical rock essence that is dated but still effective. Lead vocalist Johnny Dee sounds overambitious at times, but that’s only to be expected, and doesn’t really take anything away musically from the album. Especially for a debut, this album holds it’s own and displays a conventional, seasoned sound. – Mike DeGagne