Tag: Sounds Like Digging

SLD and Rick Hromadka

powerpopaholic
SLD

SLD “Lost”

SLD (aka Sounds Like Digging) is back – Tom Parisi and his cousin Paul Costanza return with a smooth rich sound on “He’s Got You Now,” a slick single with a grand chorus backed by psyche pop guitars. This is like a double album with 17 tracks.

“Fly Away” is a McCartney-like piano gem, that slowly picks up steam to its magical chorus, with an upbeat “ooh-la-la,” rhythmic harmonies, and a wicked guitar break that begs for repeat listens. “Don’t Want Get Over You” is a wonderful jangling pop gem full of great chord changes and Tom’s guitar riffs are supported by Paul’s bright vocal that defines the SLD sound. A few songs get bogged down where the rhythm, not the melody is the focus (“No Way,” “She”) but even these are decent.

There are many highlights here: “12 to 5” has brilliant harmonies across each verse, “Lost” is ultra-smooth pop, and “Last Night” is a polished, atmospheric song with an expansive melody. Using synths and an ’80s slow pop rhythm, “Circles” could’ve been a Tears For Fears hit, and “Midnight Eyes” boasts a hand-clapping beat with underlying phased guitar chords. Fans of ELO, Pilot, and The Nines will really enjoy this. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Rick Hromadka

Rick Hromadka “Better Days”

A solo new album from Rick Hromadka (Maple Mars, Ruby Free) is a tour de force plus it’s loaded with talented guest stars. Very polished compared to his last LP, starting with the title track it makes clear that’s he’s embracing the “dad rock” label with a variety of vintage rock influences – almost a combination of his previous bands.

“State Of Mind” boasts an addictive chorus and inventive lyrics throughout. Both “Searchlight” and “The Ever After” have terrific guitar work, reminiscent of Thunderclap Newman. As a break from the seriousness, the whimsical “I’m Here To Entertain” makes use of many musical circus tropes, as the video shows.  Additional gems include “Full Blown Freakout,” “Pinwheel,” and the epic harmonies are all over “The Last Volcano.” No real duds here, so it also makes my top ten for 2020 list. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

S.L.D. and Fallon Cush

powerpopaholic
SLD

S.L.D. “Indigo Gray”

I’m extremely happy to hear that this project finally comes to fruition. A musical collaboration via email between two long lost cousins, Paul Costanza and Tom Parisi from Brooklyn, NY that started as a small EP several years ago. Not only are the “Sounds Like Digging” EP tracks re-worked to sound even better, a treasure trove of new music is packaged into this remarkable debut album.

Paul’s crisp vocals are supported perfectly by Tom’s guitars on the catchy opener “Do Or Say.” The Beatles influence is strong on “Kindergarten Sky,” and the easy going vibe of “Can You Feel It” adds a modern psychedelic touch. Fans of Klaatu and Electric Light Orchestra will also hear influences on “Long Long Gone” and “Free At Last.” Tom shines on the solo between the chorus on “So Glad,” and the pair of piano pop melodies dedicated to girls (“Jenna” and “Stephanie Told Me”) burst with optimism and brilliance. Each song here is a keeper with strong melodies and rich production, so no filler here – in fact its like a collection of hit singles. Highly Recommended and makes my top ten best album list for 2016.

CD Baby | Amazon | Bandcamp


Fallon Cush

Fallon Cush “Bee In Your Bonnet”

Fallon Cush is the vehicle for songwriter Steve Smith, a veteran Sydney musician that has dabbled in power pop, but really has great success with melodic rock Americana style. Influences heard are mainly Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Band and The Byrds. This new LP has Steve, Glen Hannah (guitars), Scott Aplin (keyboards) and Josh Schuberth (bass, drums) along with backing vocalists Suzy Goodwin and Stephanie Grace to round things out.

It starts out with the slow build of “There’s A Dark Side To That Moon,” but you notice the rich sound and production once the chorus kicks in. The piano and jangling guitars lead “Less You’re Near,” and even though the style is Dylanesque, it clearly sounds like original Fallon Cush. Some brilliant music follows; “Kings Ransom” is a mid-tempo charmer and slow ballad “For Too Long” is a wistful memory that sticks with you. And the album is even stronger after the mid-point with the melodic “The Honeycomb” and excellent title track. One thing I’ve noticed about Smith’s music over the years is that he gets better with each album. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

The Seasongs, Vinnie Zummo and Sounds Like Digging

powerpopaholic

The Seasongs “Out Of The City”
This Madrid-based band gives us a heavy power pop sound similar to The Who and The Posies. Lead guitarist and vocalist Óscar Granero’s riffs on “New Love” are brilliant, but vocally he does struggle to stay on key in spots. On the title track, he does a much better job and if you can get past the European accent, you’ll hear echoes of The Kinks and The Byrds on “Lonely Room”. “She’s Gone” starts quietly, then breaks into a garage styled riff similar to The Cynics. Fans of the 1960’s Nuggets style will enjoy this album, as all the compositions are well done, if a bit overlong in spots. Others may be put off by the vocals, but I enjoyed the native Spanish “Si tú quieres” and the defiant “A guy from New York.”

NOTE: Yes, these are singles below and I don’t review singles. But I made an exception here, as I personally know these people and think that you will love these songs.

Vinnie Zummo “Didn’t Get The Memo”
This is a sweet catchy tune from Zummo & Elizabeth Racz, I first heard it on Radio New York International and it takes Zummo to his Beatles meets ELO place. A relaxed strum and straight forward lyric lead to a key change in the chorus that sits in your head and encourages repeat plays. A nice change of pace after listening to his non-power pop, jazz album. Get this song on CD Baby.

Sounds Like Digging “Do or Say”
Another surprise from The Boogieman’s radio show, Tom Parisi and his cousin Paul Costanza met up with each other on Facebook and decided to join forces because they became fans of each others’ music. Paul is featured as lead vocalist and synthesizer/pianist. Tom is featured as lead guitarist and back-up harmonies. Like The Shoes, or The Modulators you get clean guitar riffs over a memorable chorus in a superb DIY production. Get this song on CD Baby.