The Re-Used Electrics “For Johnny” EP
The Re-Used Electrics prowled Houston, Texas from 1980-1985 and was dedicated to translating the spirit of live punk bands of that time to local rock audiences. This 5 song EP is dedicated to Johnny Thunders (aka John Anthony Genzale) best known for his work with the New York Dolls.
The classic guitar instrumental “Pipeline” originally made famous by The Chantays is given a sweet treatment and opens the set. Followed by “Chinese Rocks,” the solid instrumental work does its best to make up for the buried vocals, which resemble a gruff Johnny Rotten. “One Track Mind” and “Pills” are good catchy rock and roll. Definitely meant to be played loud and proud.
The Blank Pages “Into The Ether” EP
After ending a 7-year hiatus with 2018’s Before Your Summer Fades, The Blank Pages are back with a fresh EP. Guitarist Greg Potter leads the charge with the title track, a catchy anthem with a nice guitar hook. My favorite track here, “Let It Flow” is another jangling gem that rocks with gleeful abandon. The lower key “Snapshots” is more a narrative about a long lost connection and “Welcome To The Unknown” is composed a little like Joe Jackson, a synth and piano lead with driving percussion and swirling guitar rhythm. Highly Recommended.
Sam Hoffman “Fairweather”
Wow, out of nowhere Sam Hoffman sounds like Richard X. Heyman fronting The Junipers, with plenty of that jingle jangle guitar. The opener “December” is just infectious and “Anything At All” is like a Byrds outtake. Some nice McCartneyesque bass highlights “Glencrest Lane,” but Sam’s vocals are a little too buried to make it stand out.
“Good Company” has a slowly rising riff that starts with gentle harmonies and a light melody. Next, the instrumental “Karate” shows us Sam’s guitar chops. Most songs are 2 minutes or less, so this feels a little like Tony Molina’s LP. But Mr. Hoffman gives us a lot more with the 5-minute + ballad “Lorraine” full of strings and western guitar. Not a single dud here and I was super impressed by this debut. You have the option of a name-your-price Bandcamp download or support the artist through an Amazon purchase. Highly Recommended.