Tag: Vegas with Randolph

Halloween Hoedown: The Seven and Six, Amplifier Heads, Dolph Chaney, It’s Karma It’s Cool, Vegas With Randolph, The Fatal Flaw

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It’s that time of year again. Some stuff has the fun spooky theme, others not so much. The Seven and Six start us off; Lisa Mychols, Tom Richards, and Mike John Altier give us a cool surf-rock instrumental. Sal Baglio’s newest Amplifier Heads EP Rectifier is so heavy it’s good.  Sal growls out “The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll,” channels Mick Jagger on “Maniaxe” and the wild “Rock Rules.” The holiday-themed ballad “Zombie Moon” is a real keeper as well, so pick up this treat. Dolph Chaney’s novelty “This Halloween” is goofy, but tragic fun and It’s Karma It’s Cool dazzles with “Old Bones” rich guitar chorus. Vegas With Randolph brings the catchy lovelorn theme “Don’t Stop Your Love” loaded with sax, handclaps, and guitars, and it’s another chewy treat. Finally, a new Kinks Tribute is taking shape, and I really liked the opener, a cover of “Victoria” by The Fatal Flaw.




Early August singles and premieres: Kerosene Stars, Lily Frost, Vegas With Randolph, Matt Steele, Sharp Class, Phil Thornalley, Late Cambrian

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Kerosene Stars

It’s the World Premiere of Kerosene Stars’ single “Stay Low” a rich anthemic slice of rock with a marching rhythm that builds with each verse, as grand as anything Oasis has ever done. This is followed by the impressive “Don’t Follow Me,” a dense guitar texture is met by echoing vocals and distortion, and even a Dick Dale-styled interlude!

Toronto singer/songwriter Lily Frost releases “Seagull,” from her upcoming LP Decompression, and it’s impossible to ignore with its driving beat and layered harmonies. Power pop favorites Vegas With Randolph is back with the compelling “Shake The Cage” and love those horn flourishes! Matt Steele has a deceptively catchy bedroom pop hit here with “Vintage Photo Filter,” which just grows on you with each chorus. Nottingham blokes Sharp Class kicks some ass with “Tales of A Teenage Mind,” as it marries the buzzsaw riffs with Oliver Orton’s cheeky punk vocals. And we have some neat video singles too; Phil Thornalley‘s “Fast Car” is a loving homage to Jeff Lynne’s style that sticks in your head, and Late Cambrian is back with a skater’s perfect theme “The Last Wave” is off the upcoming LP, Future Snacks. Mmm, Tasty!





Videos, EPs, and singles, oh my! Willie Nile, Hanson, The Sun Sawed in Half, Zig Zag Hearts, Vegas With Randolph, The Dowling Poole, David Woodard, The Vidprinter, Stoeckel & Pena

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Willie Nile is at it again! Willie Nile’s “Blood On Your Hands” featuring Steve Earle. The new album The Day The Earth Stood Still coming out on August 13, 2021.

HANSON (Remember “MmmBop?”) is all grown-up. But the public doesn’t want them to change. So “Don’t Ever Change” is the new Official Music Video, and the Cheap Trick references are everywhere. Screams “I Love Power Pop!”


After a very long wait, The Sun Sawed in Half returns! A glorious EP with swirling guitar riffs all over the opener “Dried Cherry Blossoms,” the neo-psychedelic effects on “Good King of Summer” are almost operatic in scope. A trip that Jellyfish and XTC fans will really love. Don’t miss this one. Get it on Amazon

The Zigzag Hearts are a new band from Oakland lead by Greg Schneider who knows his way around a riff or two. Frantic layered hooks from top to bottom on “It Aint Easy” and “Cold Heart” meant to be played LOUD. Fan of The Beat, The Real Kids, and Buzzcocks will find a lot to cling to. Greg’s vocal gets lost in the mix a little, but it still rocks! Get it on Amazon


Vegas With Randolph is back (sounding a bit like Bowling For Soup here) as we welcome a return to summer fun.

The Dowling Poole is a band for people who love the sounds of XTC and 10cc. We’ve reviewed all the band’s albums over the years but here is a great opportunity to sample four great tunes for a mere British pound. Almost FREE! Get it and immerse yourself for only a quid!


David Woodard is back with a sharply written gem of an EP! Guitarist/Songwriter has a knack for song stories with great melodies.  “About New York” is a terrific single that sticks in your head immediately. Enjoy the poptastic “Ghosts” and the slowly building “The Last Word.” With each EP Woodard gets better – no filler, all killer. Get this one on Amazon

The Vidiprinter is a Scottish artist with a knack for pop bounce and “Glued To My TV Set” is a ton of fun!

A new duet by Steve Stoeckel (The Spongetones) and Big Stir Record’s artist Irene Peña.  It’s a jangling gem with a nod to The Everly Brothers in harmonies and arrangement. More, please?

Friday Night Singles: Krga, Vegas With Randolph, Peter Baldrachi, S.A. Reyners, Bryan Estepa

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Ryan Krga (vocals, 6-string acoustic guitar) gives us this very Big Star-ish single. and it’s a FREEBIE too, so it gets very high marks. Also, get his “Testament” EP.

The always excellent Vegas With Randolph delivers a slowly building love song that soars when it gets to the chorus. Bravo!

I have really missed Peter Balderachi. It’s been a few months since his Change. Hope this leads to a new LP, its a great richly melodic rock single.

S.A. Reyners is our “Man On The Scene” and he makes a good impression with this energetic single. The B-side “Jinx” is also pretty catchy.

The venerable Bryan Estepa has a talent for putting emotional anxiety to music. Thank goodness for that.

Singles, EPS and Freebies: Vegas With Randolph, You’re Among Friends, Yani Martinelli, The Susan Constant and Scott Brookman

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Vegas With Randolph returns with the power-pop goodness of “Women in Airports” in advance of their next album, Legs & Luggage.

You’re Among Friends are a casual rock band from Cleveland, Ohio. Their music has been described as “rollicking blues at its core with a sugary coating of power pop” by Scene Magazine. check out this FREE download.

Yani Martinelli features some wonderful vocal harmonies and light acoustic melodies. The classical soft-pop style of “Radiohouse 12am” is similar to The Free Design. Simply beautiful and this is a FREE download.

The Susan Constant is a Boston indie band with just plenty of punch to keep power pop fans interested. Check out the solid rant “Constructive Summer,” and it’s a FREE download.

Scott Brookman has decided to go unplugged for good. He’s not going for the polished pop sounds of his past and is now concentrating on low-fi acoustic songs. “How Could I Let It Win?” and “Whatever She Was She’s Gone” have that McCartney vibe. Yani Martinelli,  Mario Pilarte López lend a hand, and it’s a FREE download.

Let’s cap things off with a new single from Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies) called “White Noise’, the first track from Steven Page’s new album ‘Discipline: Heal Thyself Pt. II’ which is coming out on September 14th.