Category: emerging artists

The Kavanaghs "The Kavanaghs" Demo Download

powerpopaholic 2 Comments

The Kavanaghs are a brand new band from Rosario City, Argentina. Formed in early 2006, they’re now preparing the release of their first album. Band members are: Tiago Galindez (lead vocals, bass guitar, pianos), Alejandro Pin (lead vocals, rythm guitars) Diego Vázquez (lead guitars, backing vocals), Julio Leidi (drums, percussion and backing vocals). Both Eric Carmen and Jim Bonfanti from the Raspberries who wrote the liner notes for the upcoming album said about the Kavanaghs: “The Beatles, Badfinger and Raspberries fans will love this band!! This guys really wear their influences well. Catchy melodies and great harmonies are still alive. It’s a pleasure to hear their songs!!”
I got this over the weekend and already other blogs have been promoting it, so this is my turn to spread the word. The music certainly is excellent. You really hear the Badfinger harmonies and McCartney styled bass on “The Wrong side of the Way.” The Hudson Bros. styled piano and bass combinations are great on “Friday on My Mind” (no relation to the Easybeats). Although the South American accents come through a little, “English Town” is a wonderful song with nice horns and piano work similar to The Kinks “Drivin.” Some maudlin moments like “Goodbye Chris” are redeemed by the rocking Beatlesque “Cat in Town.” The production is a bit sparse, but that’s okay for this preview. My favorite here is the subtle and hook filled “All The Time,” but there are plenty of great songs here like “It Seems That I’m Not Getting Things Quite Right” with it’s Zombies/Association vibe. I hope to hear more from this band that shares the same geek love of power pop groups I have. Please support this band when the final mix comes out. Best of luck, Tiago!

My Space | Kavanaghs Site | Download Demo Album

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Introducing The Online Romance FREE download

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The Online Romance are a pop band from Portland, Oregon that will cause lovers of light harmonic pop to do cartwheels. The band is a even six-piece, three gals and three guys. The music is a blend of baroque melody, inspired harmonies and folk storytelling that draws influences from The New Pornographers, The Left Banke, Belle and Sebastian — I also hear inspiration from The Free Design and The Clique. The group is finishing up a 12 song album and currently looking for a lable. I encourage you to download and take a listen to them.

Download “Ladybug, Don’t Smile”

My Space | Virb.com | Last.fm

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Anya Marina "Slow and Steady Seduction, Phase II"

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It’s nice to find a fresh new artist getting major press and recognition from both Spin and Rolling Stone. Anya Marina’s Slow and Steady… is a tightly honed collection of winking pop gems and slyly sexy rock and roll that showcases this newcomer’s deft melodic sensibility and wryly humorous lyrical point of view. Anya’s sound is part Norah Jones-Suzanne Vega with a splash of Liz Phair attitude. Producers Brian Karscig and Britt Daniel (of Spoon) helps jump her to the next stage of artistic development from the early demos of Miss Halfway. The opening single “Move You” is a real keeper with an infectious beat and Anya’s cooing vocal. Other highlights here include the silky smooth “All The Same To Me” with jazzy sax highlights and the garage-styled guitar riffs on “Afterparty at Jimmy’s” where she flirts with the keen promoter of her band. The lesser tracks do not disappoint either, although the standard “Waters Of March” seems to have too much of coffee house vibe. By the whispering tones of “High On The Ceiling” you’ll be ready to hit the repeat button. The album is expected out 1/20/09.

My Space | Itunes (Move You single) | CD Baby (Miss Halfway)

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John Laprade and The Unremarkables EP

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A few more EPs I found this weekend:


John Laprade “Blind”
John Laprade is a new voice on the scene, he scored some exposure on A&E with “Knock You Down” featuring Richard Lloyd and here is his debut EP. This song goes on sarcastically about stardom and it’s trappings, with Lloyd’s amazing guitar and Laprede’s soaring harmony. The title track, “Blind” is a terrific single, with hummable chorus and reminds me a little of Glen Tilbrook, Tommy Keene and Wilco. “Tennessee” is a little laid back country pop tune, with a bit of piano, harmonica and some nice drum work by Rich Pagano (Fab Faux). This is a prelude to John’s new LP coming soon, and it’s a good starting point.
My Space | CD Baby


The Unremarkables “21st Century Ghost”
I wasn’t too keen on this Norwich, UK group’s debut last year, but these guys keep forging onward and I am seeing improvement in both the songwriting and musical competence on this EP. The title track “21st Century Ghost” is a catchy crowd pleaser with plenty of layered guitar parts and resembles a cross between Tears for Fears, Aztec Camera and U2. “Heartache Cologne” is another highlight here with handclaps and strong guitar themes that showcase the improvements the band has made. This band deserves some attention, so guitar loving rock fans should listen up.
My Space | Itunes

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The Orion Experience & The Western States Motel EP

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The Orion Experience
“Heartbreaker EP”
Sometimes a power pop group really has that special “something” that makes them take off in the mainstream press. I saw this last year with The Orion Experience’s debut and at IPO in 2007. Well now even Perez Hilton is jumping on the bandwagon. This dazzling EP shows the band maturing in both songwriting and musicianship, while still coasting on renewed interest in “Obsessed With You” from the last album. The new tracks, “Nice Guys Finish Last” has a Blondie meets Green Day catchy melodic riff, sure to be a radio hit if the major stations had a clue. “Heartbreaker” is a little Scissor Sisters-like doo wop that just makes you want to dance. “Sugar” is a great post-Halloween track that literally lists all the goodies “that are all no good for me” with those chunky sweet guitar riffs and as this band raises it’s profile it’ll be nice to see where the next album takes us. In the meantime, this EP is a nice sticky treat. 

Orion Experience Site | CD Baby

The Western States Motel
“Painted Birds Flying In The Orange Mirror Sun EP”
Songwriter Carl Jordan knows his way around a tune. For fans of the Elliot Smith, The Beta Band, and The Shins his is modern pop manna from heaven. Impeccable melodies and instrumentation lead each track. Unlike other solo soft spoken dry vocalists like Jeremy Messersmith or Dion Read, Jordan doesn’t let his anxieties show through in the songwriting and the delivery is very matter of fact. Even if the song is an ode to our worldly problems like “Oh World” he states “I don’t wanna turn down my stereo, it’s taken me places, some are new, some I know.” Each song has a memorable hook and highlights are “Stampede” and “Trans Am” each with a sparkling guitar strum and multi-tracked vocal. In any case, it’s made me want to investigate his earlier album on CD Baby. Jordan is an awesome talent that should not be missed, so check out this EP.

My Space | e music | Itunes | CD Baby (first album here)

Note: Rob Bonfiglio review posted on The Rock and Roll Report.

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