The Overtures “Onceinaworld”
Move over Weeklings, you’ve got some competition. The Overtures are the UK’s finest Sixties tribute act, performing for the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Elton John at their private parties. With this debut, they put themselves on that map as more than a cover band in a big way. British invasion and Beatles influences are front and center here, but the songwriting and musicianship are what carry the day.
Starting with “Till Your Luck Runs Out” it’s got a chorus that sticks to your brain fast, full of Rickenbacker jangle and precision similar to The Spongetones. The title track is just as good, and they don’t stand still stylistically either. The “Don’t Wait Too Long” is a top-notch ballad and “Watching The Grass Grow” reminded me of the Idle Race a bit. Then “Find Out What You Mean to Me” has a wicked skiffle beat and a deadly hook. Every track hits the mark and this easily makes my top ten for 2020 list. Super Highly Recommended.
Travel Lanes “On”
Philly band Travel Lanes is back, and it’s a lot of fun. Lead singer/songwriter Frank Brown has a wonderful sense of melody and style in all his music. You’ll hear Rockpile (a la Dave Edmunds,) Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello as major influences here. Vocally he sounds a lot like Dan Isreal and at the starting point “True and Tried” is pretty inventive with unexpected key changes and layered guitar riffs.
Next, the honky-tonk “Answer My Prayers” has catchy pedal steel, and it sticks to your head fast. “Mr. Lux” is another fast-paced crowd-pleaser, then it settles into a comfortable “Routine,” with some odd synth breaks in that song. I found that the country slanted rockers like “Lover’s Lane” resonated with me a little more. With only eight songs it’s a short album however, the songs are high quality. Even the finale “Can’t Lose” is pretty compelling. No filler and highly recommended.
