Nick Frater “Fast & Loose”
Nick Frater has been very productive, after last year’s top-ten album Full Fathom Freight-Train, he released the experimental 59 Vignettes and like an Energizer bunny, he keeps going. This new album Fast and Loose is out on Big Stir Records label.
After a nondescript instrumental we get the optimistic “Let’s Hear It For Love” a driving opener with a memorable chorus, with just enough of a Beatles vibe to make a favorite. While “Luna” marches along to a pounding beat, the best is yet to come. Frater’s ability to craft a lovely ballad with “That Ship Has Sailed” and “Moonstruck” remains in fine form. The albums second half doesn’t loose stream with the pensive “So Now We’re Here” as the hooks take hold in the verses, and the Beach Boys styled magic is all over “Would You Like To Go?” Fans of The Explorers Club will like that one, and the only misfire here is the bombastic “Cocaine Gurls,” a two-minute song stretched to four with a chaotic guitar solo laid over it. However, Nick’s songs are primarily memorable, and that makes this one highly recommended.
Greg Pope “Wishing On A Dark Star”
Greg Pope, the Nashville power-pop powerhouse since 2008’s Popmonster is back with a new album. Pope, now joined by his sons Asher, Noah, and Finn has moved in a more enlightened direction with his music. The influences are simply much more varied than in past works with less reliance on a single lead guitar melody.
The opener “Gone” starts with a methodical verse about a breakup with some nice Queen-like guitar touches. “Blue Skies Above” has a great catchy chorus that recalls The Police and the bright “Morning Sunshine” embraces some prog-bass along the lines of Yes and Genesis with its calming harmonies. The title track brings to mind classic Pink Floyd with its strong bass-percussion focus, and the acoustic “Jump Back From The Light” has inspiring lyrics to help a friend in need.
The heavy guitar riffs and fun lyrics on “Vacation (From My Vacation)” is another big highlight, but it’s nice to hear Pope expanding his sound like the jazzy blues rhythm on “Blue Bird Fly” and the gentle guitar and synth ballad “Crawling Back To You.” Like all his music, it is Highly Recommended.