The Genuine Fakes “Issues”
The Genuine Fakes is an indie rock band from Stockholm, Sweden. While it has been nearly a decade since the solid debut, they finally are ready. With Jon Auer (The Posies) as a collaborator, the band produces stellar power pop with Johan Bergqvist (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards,) Mårten Bengtsson (bass,) and Johan Sundin (drums).
“Even With You” is a very good start with its quick tempo melody, requisite guitar rhythm and harmonies. The positive vibes of “Everywhere and All Around” recall The Wellingtons or David Mhyr, as the band stretches its emotional and musical range. The band works on both the soft and hard sides of the power pop spectrum, “Wither Away” is a lovely flowing melody and a highlight that will have you singing along. On “I Won’t Be Home Tonight” Johan offers a very Jellyfish-like a bit of contrarian advice, about going out to see your favorite band and its brilliant. “In Color” gets a little heavier with bombastic riffs in the arena-like chorus, all about a soldier looking at a black and white photo as his thoughts drift. “My Very Best,” “In It For The Chase” and “Sorry” are additional highlights that hit the mark. Hard to argue that this shouldn’t fit somewhere on my top ten list. Super highly recommended.
Vegas With Randolph “Legs & Luggage”
Vegas With Randolph’s fourth full-length album marks the band’s tenth year, and they are as sharp as ever. The guitars are quicker and rock a little bit more than past work. “You Could Say Yes” sets the tone with a very dense layer of guitars and percussion. Next “Jacob,” tells the story of gaining the courage to ride a “roller coaster” and another highlight would be “The Girl Holding Out For Me” with hooks aplenty and magical chord changes. There are no duds here, and the buzzing guitars rule each song but a handful standout amongst them. The sing-song catchy “Women In Airports” and Cars-like gem “Three Red Hooks” are a cut above the rest.
The core of Eric Kern and John Ratts songs are the anchor here with Brock Harris (guitars) and Andy Hamburger (drums) adding the power to it all. Guests on the LP include Fountains of Wayne’s Jody Porter on “Chick Fighter” and Texas popster Lannie Flowers on his cut “The Weekend’s Coming.” Unfortunately, bassist Dan Aylestock passed away last year from liver cancer. The remaining band members dedicated their efforts to him, notably the ballad “I Have You.” Amazing work, and of course highly recommended.
