Album Review: Lit - 'Tastes Like Gold'
SoCal power punk icons Lit are back with their seventh studio album, Tastes Like Gold.
From the post-grunge and power punk era of the late 90s came Lit - and they’ve never looked back since. Their big-time classic hit “My Own Worst Enemy” is irreproachable, standing at icon status and garnering a cult-following worldwide. With six studio albums under their belt, Lit has returned with their latest, Tastes Like Gold, out now via Round Hill Records.
Considered one of the preeminent bands to define an entire generation of power punk, Lit never holds back, and this album is no exception. With singles “Yeah Yeah Yeah”, “Mouth Shut (feat. Adrian Young of No Doubt)”, “Do It Again” and “Kicked Off The Plane” released earlier this year, Lit hinted at a record driven by their quintessential grunge sound - one that fans would be sure to recognise. Led by overdrive stomp box pedals and lead singer Ajay Popoff’s memorable vocals, Tastes Like Gold is an ode to the band’s not-so-humble beginnings, showing no signs of slowing down now. With over 20 years in the spotlight, Lit’s newest has demonstrated the unique ability to take their fanbase back in time.
Produced by Carlo Colasacco, YOUTHYEAR & Lit, Tastes Like Gold also sees collaborations with Adrian Young (from No Doubt), Butch Walker and American Authors. On the record, lead guitarist Jeremy Popoff shares, “We wanted to get back to the old school Lit sound with a modern day approach to the production. It took a minute to get our heads in the right place, especially with all of the craziness going on in the world. We started writing and making demos with Carlo Colasacco and YOUTHYEAR and we knew we had tapped into the vibe we were looking for. Tastes Like Gold is the album we wanted to make.”
Ringing in the success their new album is sure to be, Lit will embark on their US tour this summer. Starting with hometown show in Anaheim, CA at House of Blues on release day, other dates include Summerfest in Milwaukee on July 2nd. The band is yet to confirm more dates, with existing dates available for purchase HERE. The band is surely treating its long-time audience - with podcast, ‘My Own Worst Enemy, The Podcast’, presented by Round Hill Music, also out now. The four-part, documentary-style podcast details the conception of their classic hit, via Round Hill Music for Osiris Media.
Lit’s new music promises to deliver the catchy grunge bops they are instantly recognisable for - while also seamlessly blending all the best facets of old and new music making. “When you’re listening to Lit, I hope you get to escape from the world for a little bit,” Jeremy Popoff states. “We hope you feel like, ‘Damn. In the middle of the shit storm that was 2020 and 2021, these guys managed to dial it back to a more innocent time’.” And they sure did.
Words by Rachel Min Leong
