This is a collection of non-power pop stuff that I listened to last week, it’s pretty eclectic– from experimental to metal, if you wanna be daring give these a try…
Secret Message Machine “Orphanville”
Musician Michael Barrett has made a tour-de-force of lo-fi bedroom pop in the spirit of GBV, Zappa and Beck. Tons of diverse influences from mod and classic rock often with two contrasting rhythms and a melody sandwiched between them. Like an audio version of those old stereoscopic “Magic Eye” posters – when you stare (listen) at it long enough you’ll see a picture emerge. Nice trippy stuff on “Wilson Street” and “Drug Store Burns.” I’m not big on experimental DIY pop – but this one was worth diving into.
Worst Case Ontario “Smallcraft” EP
It turns out this NYC band which I kinda enjoyed has officially broken up. Led by Sam Weisberg on guitar it emulates the early nineties club scene a bit, with a fuzz guitar and distorted vocal covering a solid wall of sound on “The Complainer,” which seems to explain why the band imploded. This is basic shoegazer rock and if you’d like to get this one you’ll have to e-mail Sam himself on the band’s MySpace page.
Ben Montague “Overcome”
With so much “idol wannabe” crap out there it takes a bit more for a good pop vocalist to get noticed. I only heard a few songs from Ben Montague, but you can hear that pure talent and excellent pop songwriting on first listen. Like a mix of Seal and John Mayer, Ben’s golden tones will definitely charm you. The inspirational and infectious singles are all over this debut, like “Rainy Day,””Can’t Hold Me Down” and “Weight of Love.” My favorite is the Lenny Kravitz-like soul on “Yeah Yeah.” This may be the best straight pop debut of the year that you missed.
The New Czars”Doomsday Revolution”
So how hardcore metal can you go and still have a recognizable melodic sound? Lead by rock guitarist and producer Greg Hampton, and including the legendary Adrian Belew, the New Czars answers that question with plenty of shredding. The band bangs away not unlike Metallica on the opener “Keep On Goin'” with a thick baseline and Hampton’s wailing vocal. The compositions are melodic with progressive elements on some tracks. Overall a good hybrid that reins in some metal excess and focuses on quality musicianship and song craft. Fans of Joe Satriani or Queensrÿche will like this one too. Highlights include “Why Do You Have 2 Lie” and the fast paced “Confessions.”