Hardcore Lounge “Dance Of My Life”
Some bands just don’t fit neatly into a music category. Chris and Wes Johnson from Charlotte, NC have a background with The Johnson Family Singers. The band plays in a classical pop ensemble, with a variety of instruments and players including Mary Massie (flute, keyboards), Marco Heeter (bass) and Marlon Young (drums). The clean production work showcases what could be lounge pop with an avant guarde twist. I liked the brassy “Holiday” and quirky “Super Sized” – not power pop for sure, but you may enjoy it if labels aren’t that important to your musical experience.
The Villas “Jamie” EP
This Austin band’s got spunk and loves loud melodic pop, in the Weezer vein. Lead singer Jonathan Berry snarles out every tune, with a crunchy guitar by Bryan Winter. But as much as they try, the band still has a long way to go and the rough harmonies don’t quiet cut it. The acoustic “Fading In My Mind” brings to mind those old Stones ballads, and I liked this tune the best.
The Rocketboys “Wellwisher” EP
Another Austin, TX band creates moody pop with anthemic arrangements, lead singer Brandon Kinder kind of recalls Sting if he was part of Coldplay. “Narrow Space” opens with strong drum fills, floating synth strings and Kinder’s strong croon takes over. The band has already begun writing its second full-length, which will be out by summer 2011 and feature a bucket of brand new songs from the six-piece group.
