The Junipers and Brad Marino
The Junipers “The Solid and the Hollow”
Robyn Gibson (lead guitar, vocals) says it best, “… it became a kind of nostalgia trip,” and the band’s fifth album keeps those stylistic touches that recall The Beatles, The Association, and The Free Design. “Oneless” is a subtle opener, with Gibson’s gentle vocal leading the way. It’s the template for most of the songs to follow, with the exceptions being the driving bass line lead on the psyche-pop of “When She Turns” and spacey synths on “Fishes.”
There are lots of great moments within the songs that evoke a mood akin to a bright summer day. “She Makes The Sun Shine” is especially buoyant with a rhythm line akin to The Beatles’ “Rain.” “Meadow Song” has a wonderful mix of keys, guitars, and layered sounds, and slowly builds into something great. “Swan” is another breezy melody that wallows in the dreamlike atmosphere, with subtleties in the harmonies that audiophiles will appreciate. If you fell in love with this band from their super catchy ‘Euphonious Trolley’ EP, this album is its spiritual cousin. Highly Recommended.
Brad Marino “Agent of Chaos”
With his electrifying new album ‘Agent of Chaos’, singer-songwriter Brad Marino unleashes a pure, unrelenting blast of rock and roll that refuses to hold back. His fifth album is lean but explosive—just 12 tracks, smashing through in half an hour, perfectly balancing power pop and garage punk.
From the first riffs of “Blowing Smoke,” Marino makes it crystal clear—he’s not dialing it down, he’s turning it UP. Tracks like “Calling Your Bluff” explode with a Ramones-inspired drive, yet Marino anchors everything with those hooks. From the opening notes, “Voodoo” locks into an irresistible groove, and “Lost Without You” shows that Marino still cares about melody just as much as attitude. A few tunes seem redundant (“Sick of You”) but a majority of songs here hit the mark. If you’re seeking a sense of jangly nostalgia, you might want to continue exploring the album reviewed above. But, if you’re interested in fast, energetic songs filled with hooks and a sense of grit, Marino has the goods. Highly Recommended.
Modesty Blaise and Marc Valentine
Modesty Blaise “Melancholia” (25th Anniversary Remaster)
For years, Melancholia remained out of reach, the standout album from Bristol indie pop collective Modesty Blaise absent from streaming while its reputation quietly grew. An example of retro style reworked to sound timeless. Now we have a 25th Anniversary 3-disc edition featuring a newly restored master, unreleased outtakes, and updated artwork.
Formed in Bristol in 1993 by Jonny Collins, Modesty Blaise gained early attention with their debut single “Christina Terrace,” produced by Edwyn Collins, which led to an ITV appearance and eventually supporting Robbie Williams on tour. Gregory Jones and Jonny Collins approached the remaster as an excavation, not a rewrite. The goal was to reveal what was already there. Known for dense, layered arrangements, the band now benefits from improved clarity and dynamic range. Details that once blurred together now come into focus, making the album feel fuller and more immersive. And it’s damn impressive, as this album captured a band pushing indiepop beyond its limits. This reissue proves the album always had more to offer. Now you can finally hear it. Super Highly Recommended!
Marc Valentine “Uncommon Side Effects”
Marc Valentine (Last Great Dreamers) has been playing in bands since he was thirteen, and his glam-infused power pop album ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ is on Little Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. The album is “about misadventures of youth and chasing rock’n’roll dreams.”
The opener “NY UAP” sets the tone fast. Big guitars, catchy melody, and a solo that demands attention. “High In The Underground” follows with swagger and big hooks that will draw you in right away. “The Other Side” continues that run, built on tight structure and a chorus that sticks after one listen. This album works because it balances energy with weight. “Loneliest Part” slows things down and lets the mood breathe, with synths adding depth instead of gloss. Valentine understands that strong pop needs contrast, not a constant sugar rush. Next “Tiger On Glass” he ramps the energy back up, next “Half-Moon Pendant” strips everything back to acoustic. Across 30 minutes, Valentine delivers a sharp display of power pop songwriting, pairing strong melody with tasteful guitar work. Highly Recommended and a nominee for my top ten of 2026 list for sure.
End of April: Doug Gillard, Thesaurus Rex, Dave Cope and the Sass, Swive, The Chelsea Curve, Bullseye
Power Popaholic Interview: Uni Boys
Uni Boys
This interview digs into the records and ideas behind their music, with clear ties to bands like Big Star, The Byrds, and The Kinks, while staying rooted in today’s indie scene. If you care about strong melodies, tight arrangements, and guitar-driven songs, this interview gives you a closer look at a band pushing that style forward.