Paul Starling and Friendly Foes EP

Paul Starling “Aimed Arrows”

A few years ago Paul Starling gave us the sweet “Ghost Waltz” which was re-released as “Doors and Windows.” The aching vocals are still there with Beach Boys overtones and wall of sound production on the opener “Lay Down Your Weary Arms.” The banjo and lazy day rhythm of “The Mission” is another winner here. A rich contrast of orchestral flourishes and acoustic guitar are part of “Tired Of The Casual Goddess” makes for an echoing dreamscape. Things get a bit too echoey on “Yes I Know What Day It Is,” but the song is a well structured pop blues tune, and this is well worth the meager four bucks on Paul’s site. His blog also contains some free bonus music downloads, so you can get a few samples before you break the bank.

MySpace | Paul Starling’s Site | Reverb Nation

Friendly Foes “So Obscene”

The Detroit trio known as Friendly Foes are back and after last years “Born Radical” it’s great to get this holiday gift. With a bounce and the same raw guitars courtesy of Ryan Allen on “How It Works” with a relentless guitar attack. Then we get the excellent single “Keep Breathing” which gives you a power pop punk groove full of energy and enthusiasm. Lead singer Liz Wittman hits here stride here and does an amazing job. Both “Paint It Gold” and “Line Up” have plenty of enthusiasm and the crashing cymbals of drummer Sean Sommer. Fans of Cheap Trick, Sloan, and Garbage will flip for these hooks that come fast and hard. The acoustic ballad “A Million Scenes” doesn’t quite live up to the other songs, but after these first four shredding head banging tunes you’ll be playing air guitar in no time at all.

MySpace | CDBaby