Resistance Is Beautiful

Derek Bishop's music is a time-capsule of pop stylings, evoking sounds and memories from 50s doo-wop to 80s synth pop -- while still sounding fresh and contemporary. His off-beat, often dark lyrics are paired with piano-driven melodies and sprinkled with quirky electronics and horns, creating a dynamic and colorful soundscape, all while getting your toes tapping and your ears delighting to his instantly-catchy tunes. Derek's debut full-length debut CD, Resistance is Beautiful, melds vintage keyboards, the occasional big band, marching band, Broadway orchestra pit, a suitcase-full of percussion, and of course a rock band into a rich tapestry that eclipses the description of a 'singer/songwriter's piano album', though it's that too. The record's 12 songs draw from the past six decades of music for inspiration, calling to mind The Beach Boys' airy harmonies, Fleetwood Mac's musical anger management, Phil Spector's wall of wonders, and the Muppet Show -- as if hosted by Fiona Apple. The lyrics speak to hating friend's boyfriends, wanting to win every argument, secretly sabotaging relationships, as well as lighter topics like finding courage to get off your couch and try something new. The latter's spirit is captured all over the album: it sounds joyfully recorded and resonates with a lively spontaneity and soul from start to finish.