Category: Top Ten of 2010 Candidate

Readymade Breakup has grown from a small indie band with power pop tendencies to being poised to break out to mainstream audiences. This new self-titled release is the band’s most mature outing to date, coming along just in time to add to my best of 2010 list. Lead singer Paul Rosevear’s vocals are more forceful, and Jim Fitzgerald’s guitar riffs are leaner, more into classic rock territory than ever before. The sound comes closer to Collective Soul’s brand of melodic majesty but with more energy.

“Inside All Along” has is an opener that that has all the right ingredients; heavy guitar riffs, Rosevear’s multi-tracked croon and a chorus that sticks in your head. “Just” and the anthemic “Waiting For You” are modern rock classics that should bring in a wider audience.  When we get to “There” the pace eases up a bit, into a Counting Crows styled number only to roar back with “Unzip My Face” full of Cheap Trick influenced guitar acrobatics. The lone ballad here “Not Through With You Yet” showcases Rosevear’s distinct vocal style, as a near whisper grows to a wail. We end it with “Erased” a powerful Pink Floyd influenced slice of psychedelic pop.  The album is only nine songs, so each one is carefully constructed and melodic all the way through. One of the best rock albums I’ve heard all year.

Band’s Site | Bandcamp 

Three Hour Tour “Looking For Tomorrow”
Three Hour Tour returns and this time Darren Cooper’s pop vision is joined by Adam Schmitt, Brad Elvis and Paul Chastain (Velvet Crush).  Unlike earlier efforts, Looking For Tomorrow emphasizes the “power” part of power pop. Cooper’s heavy guitar chords  on “Pig In Disguise” reminds me of Bob Mould’s band Sugar, with a pounding beat and straight ahead melody.  “For Now We Say Goodnight” is another gem with a hook filled riff that inspires air guitar theatrics. Things slow down a bit on “Alcatraz” with it’s measured tempo it recalls Richard X. Heyman. My favorite tune here is the anthemic “All We Need” with just the right amount of riffage, melody and solid harmonies. All the songs work spectacularly well, and other standouts include the jangling “Looking for Tomorrow” and “Dead Reckoning.” No filler here and very consistent all the way through. One of the best rock releases this year, fans of Myracle Brah and Guided By Voices will also flip for this. Makes my top ten list for 2010 and highly recommended to crank up on your stereo.

MySpace | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Chapa “Creation Room”
Far from their native Brazil, Chapa was launched in Rio de Janeiro and has relocated in London for Creation Room, the band’s first english language album. Named after the rehearsal room where the Fagundes brothers (Marcos, Diego and Felipe) learned to play together, you hear plenty of rock and theatrical influences througout. “Before You Go” is a nod to Queen, with smooth harmonies and march-like tempos.  “Just A Dream” is a rich dramatic piano ballad with Marco’s strong vocal. The band has a great sound as evidenced on “Highs and Lows,” but lyrics throughout the album are ultimately forgettable. The many melodic shifts on songs like “To The Bone” sound Beatlesque, or in “Move The Night” are similar to 10cc in style, but nothing ties the songs together and ultimately it disappoints. Often times the vocals sound like they don’t match the composition (“Silver Falls”) and despite the obvious talent on display here, not a single hook sticks. Even with all the right ingredients, this musical souffle just can’t help but to collapse.

MySpace | Band Website

Buva is the namesake of the talented Tom Wolfe, a Pasadena native and after discovering his gentle pop musing on All This Humming, people compared his vocal style to John Sebastian and compositions to Eric Matthews. Opening with “Smoke Into The Sky” it’s an ultra-cool bass driven melody that combines early McCartney and Badfinger. It’s an understated but lush soundscape that drifts along and fades into Mystery Tour-era instrumental chaos. “Can’t Stop Thinking” is a modern up tempo pop song with a growing and repeating chorus, that creates a soothing melody. “You Say It Too” is another gem that takes elements of early 70’s The Beach Boys and Todd Rundgren and uses them to great effect.

The ballads are mellow but just as musically compelling, “Hide Away” is simple, but melodically amazing – tinkling piano, acoustic guitars and eerie snyths, bring depth here. The quirky “Precious Fields Of Grey” with a ton of instruments (banjo notably) would not sound out of place on a John Dillworth Cartoon. Every song has a comforting familiarity, like the hook filled “Too Tired To Fight” sounds as if Nilsson played with The Beatles on The White Album. “In Other Words” boast a slide guitar solo George would envy. But these tunes are more than aping influences here, each composition is exceptionally written. No weak songs are to be found and the melodies really stick – all traits of a great pop album. Gets a top ten nod easily!

MySpace | Not Lame

This Dublin based trio led by Barry O’Brien is a breath of fresh air. Previously he released the stellar “Spark” EP and made an appearance with Pugwash, so you know he’s got great power pop cred. His songwriting has been compared to the likes of The Beatles, Elvis Costello, XTC, and Elliott Smith. Featured guests include former Cardinal member Eric Matthews singer/songwriter Duncan Maitland and Pugwash members Aidan O’Grady and Keith Farrell who also produced the album.

Starting strong with “The Strangest Game” you hear a little of all those influences wrapped into a forceful chorus. “The Letter” adds a bit of synth to the compelling melody. “Sisters In The Sky” is a thoughtful ballad that has subtle jazz and “Pet Sounds” orchestral touches at the songs end. The excellent “C Song” has a bit of Jason Falkner’s style baked in it’s descending chords. The standout here is “Cut Me Out” a masterstroke of pop, that’s equal parts Morrissey and McCartney. “Gone” boasts some really interesting chord progressions and proves to be an amazing composition. O’Brien can easily do hypnotic pastoral pop on par with XTC on “You Stole.” For the entire album, catchy hooks abound and not a single song lets you down. Even quick filler like “Feather Brain” keeps your attention. The more you listen, the more you’ll find yourself humming along. The final track “Thanks” is a sweeping Beatlesque orchestration that hasn’t been done this effectively since Tears for Fears, and will give you goosebumps. Makes the top ten list for best power pop album of 2010 easily.

MySpace | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon