Hear This: Motopony's eclectic 'Welcome You' full of energy

"Welcome You," the second full-length release from the Seattle band Motopony, is one of the stronger albums of the summer.

Released on June 23, the album takes listeners on a refreshing journey that spans many genres.

I've seen the energetic band's sound described as psychedelic pop, which fits – most of the time.

Daniel Blue, the sextet's frontman and guitarist, has a strong vocal style, leading the band through all sorts of ups and downs throughout the album.

"Welcome You" is one of those albums that just sounds like the guys walked into the room, plugged in, and played. Press record. Press stop. Done.

I'm not going to be the guy that tells you Motopony is the next Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd, but they sure sound like both, at times.

"Changing" and "Easy Come, Easy Go" really put out some classic vibes.

The instrumentation in songs like "Livin' in the Fire" and "Gypsy Woman" reminded me quite a bit of another champion of turning back the clock, The Black Keys.

The album has a few missteps, the biggest one being the final track.

"Where It Goes" comes across like a long jam session that never really got to where it wanted to go, and quite possibly just flat-out forgot where it wanted to go.

I wouldn't have minded it so much if the song had served as an intermission, but even then it would have tested my patience. That's what happens when a song runs 7 minutes and 31 seconds.

Fortunately, there's a lot more good than bad.

Though full of influences, the band isn't stealing styles.

There's a lot of originality in the soaring "1971" and slower "Bridge of Clubs."

Many sophomore albums aren't perfect, and even with the poor ending to the album, you're left wanting more Motopony.

That's a good sign.