Eureka Machines and The Spindles
Eureka Machines “Everything”
Chris Catalyst (guitarist for The Sisters Of Mercy and Ginger/The Wildhearts) founded Eureka Machines in 2007. Although he has been quite prolific on Bandcamp with solo work, his band Eureka Machines has been improving with every record. It’s not hyperbole to say their sixth LP is the best album to date.
Just listening to the opener “Everything,” he packs every hook into this dense song, and the 4 minutes fly by quickly. The band includes Wayne Insane (BIG drums), Pete Human (bass), and Davros(guitar) and they keep the sound consistent here. The layered guitars lead the way, “Back in The Back of Beyond” and “Black and White” are both excellent follow ups that keep you engaged. The song structure tips into heavier rock on “If I’m Gonna Fight Myself, I’ll Never Win” and “Nature and Nurture.” Things calm a bit with the slower strums of “Home,” but it’s a breather and then we’re back to melodic rock. Added highlights include “The Great Indoors” and the epic closer “Beautiful Day.” Chris deserves praise for his ability to write catchy songs that hold your interest even after six minutes. Highly recommended.
The Spindles “Wavelength”
Chicago-based power pop rock quartet led by Jeff Janulis follows up the successful ‘Past and Present’ album from 2019. Wavelength features guest appearances by Brad, Graham, and Rob from The Elvis Brothers, and Bill Corston from Jay & The Americans.“Getaway” is a great catchy opener, with a terrific solo guitar break. The band covers The Hollies “Bus Stop” and several Elvis Brothers tunes, and it fits in well with their originals.
“Rock Boy” is the perfect description of today’s veteran musician as a “part-time worker, but a lifetime rocker.” And these guys really can rock your socks off. Lots of call outs to the 70s-era bikers with “Ride My Bike” and the fun “he said/she said” story of “Two Sides to Every Story” adds a Nick Lowe-ish hook in the chorus. No filler here, so enjoy! Highly recommended.
April Showers: Corin Ashley, Chris Stamey, The Lemon Twigs, Geoff Palmer, Rocket Rules, Crossword Smiles, The Supernaturals
A massive amount of quality music is coming out now: Firstly, check out the return of Corin Ashley with “Empathy Centre,” with it’s guitar crunch and free wheeling lyric, “The Commandant of kindness would like a word with you…” Next the biggest surprise; a super team up of Chris Stamey and The Lemon Twigs doing a gorgeous Beach Boys styled ballad, and the album is expected this summer. Geoff Palmer returns with his punk pop perfection on ‘Kodak Flash’. Each song here is a winner! Next, this month’s freebie is the dense, lush dream pop of Rocket Rules. Give it a listen with headphones. Another new gem is Crossword Smiles latest “Falling All Over Myself” and the consistently good band The Supernaturals with a new pair of tunes destined for the upcoming album “Show Tunes.” Enjoy the sun, popaholics!
Off-the-beaten-path: Alwyn Morrison
Alwyn Morrison “Chained”
I don’t have too much info on New York native Alwyn Morrison, but he’s got three songs to his credit so far. His latest is “Chained” written by Alwyn and co-writer Michael Ales, and its an emotional ballad that caught my ear. It’s a complex story about wanting to leave a stale relationship, but fearing the unknown. He feels trapped like a prisoner, or metaphorically “chained to a dark room every night and day.”
The song is an introspective plea for assistance, and Alwyn is able to convey it with his controlled vocal delivery and strong guitar strumming. The chorus is straightforward and appealing, and the middle eight provides us a beautiful key change as well as some “ooh, ooh” backing vocals. Overall this is some solid pop balladry, and the production here sounds very professional as well. Check out Alwyn’s other songs “The City” and “Lenox Hill” for more melodic adult pop. I look forward to a full album at some point. Learn More and visit his Linktree
Off-the-beaten-path: Duane Hoover
Duane Hoover “Wayward Path”
Duane Hoover has been playing in bands for a while from Atlanta to New York City, where he excelled in the influences of T-Rex, Bowie, and Lou Reed. Duane frequently balances his roots in contemporary rock with his influences from classic 60’s rock.
His new album ‘Wayward Path’ starts with a sneering vocal in the solid opener “Sorrow,” and next he does a glam version of the Donovan hit “Jennifer Juniper” with a lot more energy than the original. Hoover’s dominant guitar riffs are very similar to Pete Townshend (The Who) on “Go Away From My World,” and the classic Choir single “It’s Cold Outside.”
Hoover stumbles a bit on “Dreaming My Dreams,” and “Over The Years” where the compositions are a little too ambitious for his vocal limitations. But there are plenty of good rockers here, like the rollicking “Wishing Well” and the complex bedroom harmonies on “Come On.” His vocals are best when he uses a Lou Reed styled approach like on “Fool’s Paradise” with just enough cool delivery to sell it. The album concludes with “All Over Again” another Who-styled guitar-bass epic, and you’ll hear Duane’s songwriting strengths. My advice is to lean into the vocal stylings found on “Sorrow” and “Fool’s Paradise” which sound the best to me. For fans of the band’s mentioned, it’s a worthy effort that deserves to be heard.