Super Cassette and The Small Square

Super Cassette

Super Cassette “Continue?”

Max and Nick Gerlock, two siblings who have a knack for both melodic and dramatic moments, are the leaders of this Oakland, California-based band. Max’s strong vocals are very reminiscent of Stanton Marriott (Skeleton Staff). Their powerful debut track, “Continue?” draws connections between the arcade gaming world and overcoming crippling anxiety. “Path through the Past” is a dance-pop pastiche with an infectious chorus, but my favorite here is the brilliant “9 to 5” with its strong guitar riffs and commanding rhythm.

Great guitar work punctuates the emotional songs “Ulcer” and “Bastille Day,” the latter in particular with a cheery chorus about “killing the gentry,” so is it about the French Revolution or something else? Another highlight is the odd chord shifts in “Someday” and its chorus that’s both pensive and soothing at the same time. Other songs managed to hold my interest based on their great writing; the ballad “Sliver” is a great example of this. Although not everything is as captivating, the album does not contain any filler. Highly Recommended.

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The Small Square

The Small Square “Ours & Others”

The Small Square is an indie rock group of expatriates living in Osaka, Japan. Paul Chastain (Velvet Crush, Matthew Sweet) and John L. Richardson (Tommy Keene, Gin Blossoms, Joey Molland/Badfinger) had a fine debut this past summer that we reviewed. But now the duo has raised the bar exponentially for Ours & Others. Great guitarist John Moremen (Matthew Sweet, Orange Peels) joins Chastain and Richardson as they dominate each song here.

“Twenty Third” feels like Mike Viola meets Sloan, with its hypnotic chorus of “faded out, faded out, fade down.” While the influences from the last album remain, the songwriting stands out a lot more. “The Hourglass” is a fantastic combination of different lead and rhythm guitars; it’s a real joy to listen to. “Open Up” features a cameo from Shoes’ Jeff and John Murphy, and it’s another big highlight. “Insta” shimmers with each strum as it sticks fast in your head. Several of the songs draw on Chastain’s own experiences; for example, the humble rocker “N. Main Blues” is based on his early days in Velvet Crush when they “were losers,” and “Baby Face” is a tribute to the late power pop legend Tommy Keene. Each song hits the mark. It’s not just highly recommended, but it’s worthy of a spot in my 2023 top ten list.

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The Small Square and Rinehearts

Buzz Zeemer

The Small Square “The Small Square”

Paul Chastain (Velvet Crush, Matthew Sweet) and John Louis Richardson (Tommy Keene, Gin Blossoms, Joey Molland/Badfinger) combined to form this powerful duo, with an equally powerful debut album.

Starting with the understated “So Low,” it mixes roots-pop styles, but the hooks keep you engaged. The layered epic “Dream Fake (Open Your Heart)” has that tight composition; verses build up in anticipation of the rich chorus. Paul’s earthy, low vocals are in contrast to the rising riffs here. Quiet moments like “SML” which stands for “you saved my life,” and “After The Tears” have an unmistakable Big Star feel. But the quiet yields to the standout layered guitar textures of “Otherwhile” and the churning melody of “Five Nine Song.” These are great tunes that deserve more attention.

Some songs go in different stylistic directions (“Wrong,” “The Trip/Sorry Again”), like melodic chaos, but it doesn’t fail to encourage repeat listens. Fans of The Velvet Crush, Posies, Matthew Sweet, and classic rock will warm to this debut quickly. Highly Recommended.

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Buzz Zeemer

Rinehearts “Full Bloom”

Perth power poppers Rinehearts had the good fortune to work on the new recordings with none other than legendary musician, songwriter, and producer Dom Mariani (The Stems/DM3/The Some Loves/Datura4). Mariani, who called Rinehearts “that rare band you come across from time to time, doing their thing without a lot of fuss, but with true dedication and a knack for crafting perfect pop.”

Benny Ward (guitar/vocals), Mitch Long (bass), and Ross Di Blasio (drummer) take no prisoners with its raucous opener “Goodness,” and doesn’t let its foot off the gas with “Power Lines” another jangly, up-tempo winner. This is vintage power pop done right, and even the melodic harmonies “Call Me Up” have a late 70s aura, with a solid guitar break akin to The Hudson Brothers. The album’s middle has more contemplative jangling love songs “Falling Down” and “Could You Would You” which are akin to Scotland’s Dropkick. Just when things get calm, “I Don’t Mind” comes back with a rocking chorus. Almost every song hits the mark, and this needs to be considered among the best albums for my 2023 list. Super Highly Recommended!

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The Nobility and The Small Square

The Nobility “Ashford Castle”

The Nobility has created a modern pop treat. The opening title track about an Irish Castle boasts gorgeous choral harmonies in the Beach Boys tradition. The bands bouncing modern pop of “Wonderful Night” uses those harmonies effectively in the chorus, with a strong beat evoking the band Sunday Sun here as melody soars. “Heart Is Strange” has echoing vocals and layered guitar/synth combos that give it a new wave touch.

From here it takes the danceable pop route with “Rollin’ in The Aisle” and the energetic “On The Sky,” both perfectly fun. Unfortunately “I Can’t Tell You Why” does wear out its welcome, but the band redeems itself with happy sing-along songs like “Alone,””Mrs. Judy May,” and “Sharks” which are like adult nursery rhymes. Highly Recommended.

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The Small Square

The Small Square “The Small Square”

Debut release from a veteran power pop duo with roots in Champaign, Illinois plus Wisconsin & Japan.  Paul Chastain (Velvet Crush, Matthew Sweet) and John L. Richardson (Tommy Keene, Gin Blossoms, Joey Molland/Badfinger) create pure, bittersweet pop with some folk rock mixed in. Joey Molland (Badfinger) is one of several guest players here.

“So Low” is an understated opener, but “Dream Faker (Open Your Heart)” starts up as a solid indie rocker that displays Chastain’s ability to weave guitar lines and layer the songs rhythms on top of each other. “SML” is a gentle alt. country plea to “Save My Life” equal parts Wilco and Big Star. “After The Tears” is a beautiful love song with its sweet harmonies, and a rising chorus. “Otherwhile” boasts the ringing chords and catchy chorus that was a Velvet Crush hallmark. Additionally, fans of  Teenage Fan Club, Nada Surf, and Sloan will definitely want to pick this one up. Highly Recommended.

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