Middlebees “Seconds”
Middlebees is the musical project of Jon Manos, a songwriter with a clear gift for classic pop craftsmanship. The album opens with “Ticking,” which begins modestly with a toy piano and simple verse before unfolding into a rich, layered chorus anchored by a memorable hook. Manos draws from a wide range of pop influences throughout the album. “Made It Back” shines with jangly indie-pop energy and an unmistakable ’80s feel, while “Ashby” channels the bright, carefree spirit of late-’60s bubblegum pop. The stylistic variety keeps the record engaging while maintaining a consistent melodic focus.
The ballads offer a welcome change of pace. Manos’ deep vocal register suits some material, though “And You’ll See the Sun” feels less impactful than some of the stronger tracks and might have benefited from additional vocal harmonies. Even so, the album succeeds where it matters most: the songs. Tracks like “When Will the Light Shine” and “I Gotta Go” highlight Manos’ ability to craft infectious melodies without relying on studio excess or gimmicks. Fans of melody-driven pop, whether rooted in the ’60s, ’80s, or modern indie traditions, will find plenty to appreciate here. Definitely this check it out.
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The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club “Fever Dreamer”
Over the past 12 years, Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club has steadily expanded its sound, and ‘Fever Dream’ finds the band leaning further into glam rock influences. Opener “Stunt Double” recalls the swagger of Imperial Drag, driven by crunchy riffs and tambourines that immediately set the tone. The album hits an early high point with “Disco Demolition,” a standout single packed with Queen-sized harmonies, thick guitar lines, and an irresistible energy. While “Heavy Conclusions” and “Fuzzz4escence” showcase the band’s impressive musicianship, neither track delivers hooks that stick.
Things quickly get back on track with “Monday the Destroyer,” a hard-rocking groove machine complete with a healthy dose of cowbell. “Lost Daughter of Stardust” blends influences ranging from Extreme to David Bowie’s Spiders From Mars era, revealing more depth with each listen. “Hostage to Hypothetical” is another slow-burn highlight that rewards repeat spins, while closing track “Reach” wraps things up with a classic rock chorus that leaves a lasting impression. ‘Fever Dream’ may not deliver wall-to-wall hooks, but Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club continues to evolve while maintaining the strong musicianship and adventurous spirit that have defined the band for over a decade. Highly Recommended.
