Walter Meego: Voyager

BY TIFFANY LI

Walter Meego
Voyager
Almost Gold/Sony

When scoping out sources for new music trends, ABC sitcoms don’t usually come to mind. But whoever chooses music for the network’s shows has really been on the ball recently, with the latest episodes of Grey’s Anatomy featuring The National and Ugly Betty introducing millions to Calvin Harris. Another Ugly Betty winner was Walter Meego’s “In My Dreams,” the perfect floaty, hopeful song for Betty on her birthday.

In the five years since Chicagoans Justin Sconza and Colin Yarck first began recording as Walter Meego, along with Andrew Bernhardt, the duo has gone from self-produced cassette tapes to an Almost Gold/Sony album, Voyager, due May 27.

Voyager represents the sort of laid-back, pop-rock/electro mix that has been playing on the iPods of every American Apparel-wearing hipster. Walter Meego’s music is catchy and danceable, with recognizable hooks and lyrics for each song. Think Cut Copy, MGMT and Hot Chip.

Listening to Walter Meego’s entire album at once conveys a sense of yearning, with such songs as “Lost” (“I’m lost somewhere back there/Can’t find my way”) and “More Than I Can Say” (“I don’t want to see you when you’re sufferin’/’Cause it hurts to watch you feel any pain”). Walter Meego is not a band for obscure philosophizing. The simple lyrics provide clear stories for all of the 11 tracks on Voyager, most of which are about love and loss.

Even with the moodiness, the album’s strengths are when the band sticks to upbeat, rock-influenced songs, such as “Forever,” “Wanna Be a Star” and “Baby Please.” Basically, the stronger tracks are those in which the guitar gets more face-time than the keyboard. The slower, more contemplative notes of “Your Love” and “Keyhole” pale in comparison, evoking every electronic comedown song ever played at 3 a.m., when the party’s over and people can’t find their keys.

With this new album, Walter Meego is poised to attract the attention of more than just ABC television staff. The time is over for dull, repetitive electro-pop. The new disco is all about fusing synthesizers with good ol’ American rock ‘n’ roll. And if you’re looking for upbeat pop-rock/dance music with a little New Wave, Walter Meego’s Voyager delivers.

Walter Meego will open for The Presets on their U.S. tour, performing at the El Rey Theater on May 20. Tickets are available now.