Quichenight “Waterville & Surf”
Nashville’s Quichenight have the talent and musical chops to make something special, even if they haven’t quite figured out how to pull all the pieces together. After several years of playing, the band still defies easy categorization, drawing from The Grateful Dead and Funkadelic. The combination hits the mark right away on opener “Saratoga,” with its terrific guitar hook and killer bass line. It’s an impressive start, but the rest of the album struggles to maintain that momentum.
“Sentimental Heart Attack” takes a mellow, swirling approach, complete with a Dylan-esque vocal delivery, while “My Biggest Organ” recalls the loose, funky groove of the Dead’s “Shakedown Street.” “Wait For You” boasts some lovely sounds, but its chorus never quite delivers the payoff you’re waiting for. Thankfully, “Funny Ears” gets things back on track with a reggae beat and a self-deprecating lyric while “Cat Shit Blues” has a rowdy garage-party vibe.
There’s plenty of talent here, and you get the sense Quichenight are having a blast exploring their musical influences. The trouble is, too many songs feel like promising jams in search of a stronger melody or a memorable chorus. “Saratoga” proves they have the goods, so a little more consistency would go a long way. For now, this is an enjoyable showcase of musicianship with a standout opener, even if the whole never quite matches the promise.
–
The Toms “Make My Day”
Tom Marolda is one of those power pop veterans who knows exactly what he does best, and I’m always happy to hear him stick to his guns. The Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer delivers another dose of melodic goodness. The best part is that Tom’s music never feels like a nostalgic exercise or a dated homage to the past. “Make My Day” kicks things off with sweet Beatlesque psych-pop harmonies, a steady bass line, and a disruptive mid-song break that keeps things interesting.
“Another Nervous Breakdown” and “Someone’s Taking You Home Tonight” are the kind of melodic gems that would have fit comfortably on his must-own 1979 debut album.“15,000,000,000 Years of Evolution” is another standout, leaning into ringing Rickenbacker guitar riffs while adding orchestral textures that give the arrangement extra depth. Marolda even recruits fellow New Jerseyan Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi for “She Moves Like Sex.” Not every track hits the sweet spot, but there’s plenty to enjoy here. Tom knows his strengths and plays to them, making this another entertaining set worth your time.
