Totally awesome

Fun.

That’s probably the best word to describe Bloomington artist Totally Michael’s self-titled debut album.

Though labeled under the electronic genre, he blends a mix of surf rock, pop-punk and the electronic indie-pop sounds of The Postal Service and takes them to full fruition.  

One of the finer works is “Casual Satisfaction.” This sexually charged dance number will spread like wildfire with its infectious melody and mobile club beats.

This jam has everything: a fast dance rhythm, an electronic discant and great vocals. In the beginning, Michael and his female guest trade off vocals in a conversational style looped like a sharp hook over the rest of the arrangement.

The refrain is another notable highlight, as the two blend voices in a tight, processed unison slowly soaring and descending in melodic euphony. “Casual Satisfaction” stands a good chance of blowing up once the local bars and clubs get their hands on it.

Another great tune, the delicate “Slow Jam” is probably the closest thing this disc has to a ballad. The easy-going beat on this work is relaxing, and synthesizers provide a melodious hook for a tender, recurring theme. Michael’s falsetto nicely carries this song’s chorus. This dance ballad could also prove to be a popular club hit.

The album sounds like The Postal Service, Blink 182 and Andrew W.K. all put into a blender and served with ice. The end result is a successful, radiant collection.

Though sometimes repetitive, Totally Michael clearly has his own sound. Part of that sound stems from the vibrant feel of being a kid in the summertime. Numbers like “Death Hill (Over and Over),” and “Winona” clearly give off this vibe.

With catchy hooks at every corner, this sugary success will likely make a big splash in Bloomington and perhaps across the nation. There’s something for everyone here, because Totally Michael manages to merge an array of sounds that can please everyone from a club dancer to a bona fide rocker. That’s a major feat by itself.