Daisy House “Crossroads”
Formed in 2012, Daisy House played compelling folk pop, but with last year’s Crossroads, the band has jumped more into the melodic rock sandbox. Daisy House is made from the duo of Doug Hammond on guitar, bass, keys, and his daughter Tatiana on vocals.
The booming drums, and bass guitars open up “Languages,” a gorgeous song with Tatiana’s strong harmonies anchoring a catchy chorus about “peace and love.” Ever wonder what would’ve happened if Joni Mitchell had joined The Byrds? This is as close as you’ll get to that. The title track is a nice combo of bass rhythms and acoustic strums, but the Byrdsian jangle is a big highlight on “Leaving The Star Girl” and “The Girl Who Holds My Hand,” even Doug’s vocal sounds like Gene Clark. There is still plenty of sensitive folk balladry here like the mid-tempo “Remembering The Arc” for Doug and haunting piano tune “Albion” showcasing Tatiana’s beautiful voice. Overall, great musicianship elevates this album above most I’ve heard in 2017. Highly recommended.
Tommy Zamp “You Don’t Know Me”
Rocker Tommy Zamp (Fixer, Circus Life) has a sound similar to Butch Walker, Izzy Stradlin or Extreme. His solo LP came out last year and was included in several best-of lists, as it is an unabashed love letter to New York City.
“Pretty Girls” is a cheerful glam tune that opens the album, and you almost expect a dance number to go along with it. The heavy fuzz guitar melodies continue with “Tattoos Of Stars” and its hand claps to go with its tour of the neighborhood. “Romeo” and “Beautiful Losers” have a dense pop sound similar to Cheap Trick with a guitar riff following Tommy’s swaggering vocal. Many highlights here include “Let It Go,” the chunky riffed “Time” and “Calling Mother May.” Not everything sticks, the ballads drone on a bit much — but there is enough here to make it a highly recommended listen.