Nick Piunti and Juliana Hatfield & Eric Payne
Nick Piunti “Solo… ish”
Working with Andy Reed (The Legal Matters) Nick Piunti turned a series of demos into musical manna as per usual. He has added help from Donny Brown (The Verve Pipe) and Joe Daksiewicz (The Complicated Men). The songs are all about the frustration of the music “business,” as we start with “Big in Madrid.” A catchy tune about an overseas tour where he’s always giving of himself, while he tells himself “don’t quit your day job.”
When Nick is on point he’s the best power pop artist in the biz, both “One Dimensional” and “Handshake Deal” are just perfection here. The mellower tracks here are good too, as nothing here is filler. The textures and orchestration of “Darken My Days” show real depth and the layered harmonies on “Vacant Heart” prove to be more highlights. The more emotional “Bruises and Bandages” and the addition of Lora Aldrich on “Tragic Tragedy” are treated with the same care and deserve additional spins. Once again, Nick ends up on my Top Ten short list. Highly Recommended.
Juliana Hatfield and Eric Payne “Bets”
I don’t know when I slipped Juliana into the power pop category, but her first band The Blake Babies were always melodic and her entire career has been consistently underrated. And similar artists, like Liz Phair should be taking notes. ‘Bets’ is a collaboration with her contractor(!) who’s a musician himself. Eric proves that it may take an unexpected, like-minded soul to bring out the best in us.
The opener “Your Social Security” hooks you immediately, with its flowing verses. The rougher riffs of “Only Sister” and “Sweet” keep the same urgency, and Juliana’s vocal carries the song where it needs to go. It goes all relaxed for “Temptation” and the hook is solid on “The Well.” While not every song had me grooving like “Thoughts To Send,” there is enough here to make this highly recommended.
March of the EPs: Ryan Hamilton, Late Cambrian, Triples, Space Jaguar, Laughing Week, The Dracu-Las
The Cynz and The Legal Matters
The Cynz “Confess”
After the breakout punch of ‘Little Miss Lost’, The Cynz raise the stakes with ‘Confess‘, a tight blast of hook-heavy rock that hits hard from track one. “Woman Child” kicks the door in with crunching guitars and attitude to spare, while their take on “You Wreck Me” by Tom Petty feels built for them, fast, loud, and fearless.
Cyndi Dawson steps up with full throttle swagger, channeling the grit of Joan Jett without losing her own bite. Henry Seiz fires off sharp, driving riffs that keep everything moving. The pace eases on “Ghost Rider” and “Watching You,” both strong on narrative and melody. The emotional core lands with “My Father’s Gun,” a confessional that turns personal scars into strength. “Impossible Ending” delivers classic power pop punch, chiming chords and a chorus that sticks after one spin. “Don’t Give Up” leans bittersweet, proving this band knows how to balance muscle with melody. Produced by Kurt Reil of The Grip Weeds, ‘Confess’ tackles loss and trauma head on. If you want melody-driven rock with heart and grit, this record delivers. Highly Recommended.
The Legal Matters “Lost At Sea”
The Legal Matters (aka Keith Klingensmith, Andy Reed, and Chris Richards) deliver another sharp set built on strong songwriting and rich harmonies. “Everybody Knows” kicks things off with a ringing guitar hook and a chorus built on big, confident chords. It sets the tone fast. “The Message” raises the bar. Think The Beach Boys with a glossy studio touch in the spirit of Alan Parsons. At over four minutes, it never drags. The melody locks you in and stays with you. Across the album, the arrangements feel full without getting cluttered. Subtle orchestral flourishes deepen the reflective mood.
“Shake This Feeling” lands at the emotional center. It tackles grown up heartbreak head on, with a slow burn arrangement that lets the weight of the lyrics sink in. These songs deal in adult themes, and the band handles them with restraint and craft. “Stuck with Me” channels the melodic snap of XTC, while “Slow Down” strips things back acoustically. Even when the subject matter turns heavy, the songwriting keeps you engaged. For balance, “It Doesn’t Matter” brings the guitar crunch, and “The Exit Signs” stretches out with Abbey-road styled sweeping vocal harmonies. Overall, highly recommended.
March singles: The Grip Weeds, TV Sound, Kai Danzberg, The Morning Line, Your Academy, Willis Van Doorn
March roars in like a lion, but I prefer The Grip Weeds! “Spinning The Wheel” is a kick ass song from their last LP, and it makes a great video. New is the band TV Sound from New Jersey, check out the rock riffs on the middle of “No Guarantees” and “Zak” and you will be hooked. Long time fave Kai Danzberg thought it was “Time To Change,” and gets a bit heavier than usual here, but his attitude sells it. More to the point, The Morning Line is back with “90s Pickup” and liking that chorus where we “stare to the right, stare to the left.” Pickup this great freebie! Memphis band Your Academy also is back, and it’s got a “Kind of Love” that sounds like a new romantic classic to me. Finally, Willis Van Doorn from Kansas City, has a bright pair of pop singles here. Expect an album out this summer. Also, next week expects to be much busier for me, so stay glued to this site. More to come!