Fall has come over Europe. The sky is grey, rain is falling down all day and it’s freezing at night. But not for me! I’m in the middle of my room sitting in my inflatable peddling pool. The curtains are closed, the heat turned up to the max. I’m wearing my swimming trunks and sunglasses to protect me from the bright sun lamp, there’s a cocktail in my hand and the walls are covered with Malibu posters. But, most importantly: in my CD player, on repeat and maximum volume: Endless Summer the latest Travoltas album.

The Travoltas started out as a metal influenced punk rock band, became more and more poppy, even experimented with electronic instruments but it seems they’ve finally developed into their definitive form. The perfect cross between the Ramones and the Beach Boys. Reminiscent of the Descendents, the Hard-Ons and even early Foo Fighters as well.

The songs are all happy tunes but melancholy is never far away. Sometimes it even takes over. The title track for instance has downright depressing lyrics, but the hand claps and typical Travoltas melody make you smile anyway.

Patrick Delabie, PeVi Productions and Peter Kloos are responsible for the album’s wonderful sound. The guitars are big and bright but not overdone. The drums and bass are in balance and the vocals are clear without dominating. The record’s well produced as it is but keyboard player Skokie’s various sounds (from eighties synth to seventies organ) and the vocal harmonies lift the sound up close to perfection. So if you, like me, hate winter and don’t want to end up with a winter depression: play this record loud and celebrate the Endless Summer!