SVJ Album of the Week: Popular Mechanics' Onramp to Irrelevance

St. Louis power-pop band Popular Mechanics lets you know from the start of its second album, Onramp to Irrelevance, that it's not kidding around.

Opening track "Always Down" begins with a sonic blast of guitars that doesn't let up through the first half of the album.

The band takes a breather with the tender "My Target," an acoustic number sung beautifully by Dave Todd

The power returns for "Lay Me Down" and "No Sleep" before Todd's strong voice takes center stage again with the closing title track.

Popular Mechanics released this album Friday night with a show at the Schlafly Tap Room. The band is energetic and confident. Todd's voice and guest star Cody Hayo's violin provide the highlights.