Power Popaholic Interview: Uni Boys
Uni Boys
This interview digs into the records and ideas behind their music, with clear ties to bands like Big Star, The Byrds, and The Kinks, while staying rooted in today’s indie scene. If you care about strong melodies, tight arrangements, and guitar-driven songs, this interview gives you a closer look at a band pushing that style forward.
The Pretty Flowers and David Brookings and The Average Lookings
The Pretty Flowers “Never Felt Bitter”
The Pretty Flowers, an indie rock band from Los Angeles, are on their third album and have a strong passion for both punk from the 1980s and power pop from the 1970s, as well as melodic indie rock from the 2000s. The bombast of “Big Dummy,” highlights our chaotic anxiety and “Came Back Kicking” hits even harder, driven by sharp guitars and tight rhythms that recall late 80s college rock with a modern edge. The opener “Thief of Time” is another winner with its jangly, melodic hook that sticks fast.
What stands out is the songwriting. The lyrics carry tension, frustration, and small flashes of hope, often in the same breath. On “Convent Walls,” he takes a direct shot at corporate control and shrinking space, while “Ring True” pushes forward with a raw punk wall of sound. Even when the tone gets heavy, the melodies stay accessible. Musically, the band pulls from a wide range of influences without sounding derivative. You will hear traces of The Replacements and nods to The Cars and U2. ‘Never Felt Bitter’ delivers strong hooks, varied songwriting, and a clear sense of identity. If you want a modern indie rock record with power pop DNA and real substance, this one earns your time. Highly Recommended.
David Brookings and The Average Lookings “Exposure”
David Brookings and the Average Lookings are back. Brookings started out in Richmond, Virginia, then he headed west to LA and then Memphis. Thats where he recorded three albums at the famous Sun Studios. Opening track, “Coldwater Canyon” has a relaxed Southern vibe with catchy pop verse (even if he is talking about California).
Like other songs in Brookings past,“Exposure” has an element of humor. In this case it’s about the promises of fame, and the words of a fast talking producer selling the band. Other songs have a great pop bounce like “It’s Giving Cringe” and “Where Did I Go Right.” We also get a retro-styled ballad about “My Last Little Shred of Youth,” about a feeling we all get growing old. Highlights include the heartbreak of “She Dissed You Too” and a biographical ballad about his wife “Shelby.” Overall, a great sounding album with plenty of worthy gems. Highly Recommended.
Power Popaholic Interview: Turn Turn Turn
Turn Turn Turn
Led by Adam Levy, alongside Savannah Smith and Barb Brynstad, this trio has deep roots in the Minnesota scene, and it shows. Their sound blends tight harmonies, sharp lyrics, and a pop sensibility that sticks after one listen. We get into how their collaboration works, and why their take on Americana feels fresh without losing its roots.
If you want music with strong melodies and real personality, this is worth your time.
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