Tag: Dynamo Bliss

Instrumentals: Dynamo Bliss and Wharton Tiers Ensemble

powerpopaholic 1 Comment

I don’t often get to review instrumental albums, but two good ones came my way so…

Dynamo Bliss “Night and Day”
Prog-poppers from North Sweden Dynamo Bliss had a pretty cool single in 2011 called “Circadian Rhythm,” so the band felt they could build an album around the entire concept. Mikael Sandström (electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, accordion, pedal steel), Stefan Olofsson (vocals, keyboards, zither, guitar, bass, percussion), and Peter Olofsson (drums) give us an album that is mostly instrumental, it starts with a gentle acoustic guitar of “Morning On Mars.”

The synth led “The Day The Empire Fell” is an light arrangement in the vein of Godley & Creme. Another gem is “Solemn Undulating Wave” and of course the amazing “Circadian Rhythm.” Lots of atmospheric instrumentals are between the highlights, some work better than others. Overall highly effective.

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Wharton Tiers Ensemble “Freedom Now!”
Wharton Tiers was born in Philadelphia, but ended up playing in a few NYC bands (Theoretical Girls and Laurie Anderson) and produced with others (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr. and Helmet). He put together the Wharton Tiers Ensemble to showcase his guitar compositions.

“Shoe Nu” is a richly layered rock song without words  and “Freedom Now” uses horns on top of the guitars to deliver the melody. “The Randomness of Insects” is a steady marching riff in a loop and “Last Train Out” is based on the surf guitar sound. Each track offers something different and interesting. Towards the albums end it gets a bit more experimental or improvisational (“Suite #23”) – but there is enough here to sink your headphones into.

Honeychain and Dynamo Bliss

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Honeychain “Futura”EP
Honeychain is the solo project of Hillary Burton from the band Nushu, and the first thing you notice is the fuzzier and heavier guitar sound of “The All-About-Me Girl.” Burton’s clean mutli-tracked vocals keep the melody together and make it closer to the rock of Jana Peri or Joan Jett, without the growl. “Easy To Forget” is a highlight as the melody here really sticks, and the fast paced rhythm and climbing baseline hooks you. “Two Fools” is a catchy break-up tune with some great minor chord shifts that keep you wanting more, thankfully one slower tempo song, “Than You” allows us to catch our breath and ends in an echoing finale. Overall an excellent EP that proves Hillary’s sweet vocal can deliver rock and roll spice.


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Dynamo Bliss “Poplar Music”
Dynamo Bliss floored me with their debut of prog-influenced, conceptual pop rock in the tradition 10cc. In retrospect it’s a much better album than I gave it credit – and now Swedish brothers Stefan and Peter Olofsson, with Mikael Sandström returns with Poplar Music.

This is a much lighter affair, sounding more like Andrew Gold with tight vocal harmonies on “Can You Hear The Sound.” And ELO fans will love “And Forever” with its magical synth melodies and bright chorus. “Over The Rolling Hills” provides a longer narrative with a banjo accompaniment in the chorus. “Savage Minds” is another highlight with 70’s pop overtones, along with the faux boogie of “Panic In Their Eyes” and melodic chorus of “Running Out Of Mind.” Although there isn’t a driving LP concept, this collection highlights the stellar musicianship of the band. Highly recommended, of course.

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