The Junipers and Brad Marino

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“The

The Junipers “The Solid and the Hollow”

Robyn Gibson (lead guitar, vocals) says it best, “… it became a kind of nostalgia trip,” and the band’s fifth album keeps those stylistic touches that recall The Beatles, CSN, and The Free Design. “Oneless” is a subtle opener, with Gibson’s gentle vocal leading the way. It’s the template for most of the songs to follow, but the exception is the driving bass line lead on the psyche-pop of “When She Turns” and spacey synths on “Fishes.”

There are lots of great moments within the songs that evoke a mood akin to a bright summer day. “She Makes The Sun Shine” is especially buoyant with a rhythm line akin to The Beatles’ “Rain.” “Meadow Song” has a wonderful mix of keys, guitars, and layered sounds, and sticks really fast. “Swan” is another breezy melody that wallows in the dreamlike atmosphere, with subtleties in the harmonies that audiophiles will appreciate. If you fell in love with this band from their super catchy ‘Euphonious Trolley’ EP, this album is its spiritual cousin without a note of filler. The last track, “Moments of Truth,” is another big highlight that shouldn’t be missed. Highly Recommended.

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“Brad

Brad Marino “Agent of Chaos”

With his electrifying new album ‘Agent of Chaos’, singer-songwriter Brad Marino unleashes a pure, unrelenting blast of rock and roll that refuses to hold back. His fifth album is lean but explosive—just 12 tracks, smashing through in half an hour, perfectly balancing soaring power pop melodies with the gritty urgency of garage punk.

From the first riffs of “Blowing Smoke,” Marino makes it crystal clear—he’s not dialing down, he’s turning UP. Guitars cut deep, drums hit like a punch to the gut, and melodies simmer just beneath the surface. Tracks like “Calling Your Bluff” explode with a Ramones-inspired drive, yet Marino anchors everything with those hooks. From the opening notes, “Voodoo” locks into an irresistible groove, begging to be played on repeat and “Lost Without You” shows that Marino still cares about melody just as much as attitude. A few tunes seem redundant (“Sick of You”) but a majority of songs here hit the mark. If you’re seeking a sense of jangly nostalgia, you might want to continue exploring. But, if you’re interested in fast, energetic songs filled with hooks and a sense of grit, Marino has the goods. Highly Recommended.

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Modesty Blaise and Marc Valentine

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Modesty Blaise

Modesty Blaise “Melancholia” (25th Anniversary Remaster)

For years, Melancholia remained out of reach, the standout album from Bristol indie pop collective Modesty Blaise absent from streaming while its reputation quietly grew. An example of retro style reworked to sound timeless. Now we have a 25th Anniversary 3-disc edition  featuring a newly restored master, unreleased outtakes, and updated artwork.

Formed in Bristol in 1993 by Jonny Collins, Modesty Blaise gained early attention with their debut single “Christina Terrace,” produced by Edwyn Collins, which led to an ITV appearance and eventually supporting Robbie Williams on tour. Gregory Jones and Jonny Collins approached the remaster as an excavation, not a rewrite. The goal was to reveal what was already there. Known for dense, layered arrangements, the band now benefits from improved clarity and dynamic range. Details that once blurred together now come into focus, making the album feel fuller and more immersive. And it’s damn impressive, as this album captured a band pushing indiepop beyond its limits. This reissue proves the album always had more to offer. Now you can finally hear it. Super Highly Recommended!

Amazon | Spotify



Marc Valentine

Marc Valentine “Uncommon Side Effects”

Marc Valentine (Last Great Dreamers) has been playing in bands since he was thirteen, and his glam-infused power pop album ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ is on Little Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. The album is “about misadventures of youth and chasing rock’n’roll dreams.”

The opener “NY UAP” sets the tone fast. Big guitars, catchy melody, and a solo that demands attention. “High In The Underground” follows with swagger and big hooks that will draw you in right away. “The Other Side” continues that run, built on tight structure and a chorus that sticks after one listen. This album works because it balances energy with weight. “Loneliest Part” slows things down and lets the mood breathe, with synths adding depth instead of gloss. Valentine understands that strong pop needs contrast, not a constant sugar rush. Next “Tiger On Glass” he ramps the energy back up, next “Half-Moon Pendant” strips everything back to acoustic. Across 30 minutes, Valentine delivers a sharp display of power pop songwriting, pairing strong melody with tasteful guitar work. Highly Recommended and a nominee for my top ten of 2026 list for sure.

Amazon | Streaming Platforms

End of April: Doug Gillard, Thesaurus Rex, Dave Cope and the Sass, Swive, The Chelsea Curve, Bullseye

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Doug Gillard (Guided by Voices, Nada Surf,etc.) has a new album coming out and a tour in May. I am always looking forward to Doug’s work. My FB search came upon Thesaurus Rex, high speed math rock that its kinda like TMBG in a way and I liked it. It’s been a while since I caught up with Dave Cope and the Sass, as he’s been churning out a ton of material (I will visit it all later) but his newest EP has a real gem, check out “Swedish Film.” Swive is a San Deigo band with a great sound on “Del Rio” and they fell under my radar years ago, but you can check out the debut from 2024 (Highly… you know!) The Chelsea Curve is back with more catchy music, just listen to “The Rideout.” Finally, Bullseye is a slacker band from New York City that reminds me of Big Star a little, check out “Dangers of The Heart.” Enjoy the Spring (looks like NYC is finally gonna thaw).





Power Popaholic Interview: Uni Boys

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Uni Boys


This interview I spoke with Reza Matin and Noah Nash from Uni Boys. They tap into a classic sound without feeling stuck in the past, and this conversation shows why. We also get into the interconnections with The Lemon Twigs.

This interview digs into the records and ideas behind their music, with clear ties to bands like Big Star, The Byrds, and The Kinks, while staying rooted in today’s indie scene. If you care about strong melodies, tight arrangements, and guitar-driven songs, this interview gives you a closer look at a band pushing that style forward.

👉 Album review here!

The Pretty Flowers and David Brookings and The Average Lookings

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THE PRETTY FLOWERS

The Pretty Flowers “Never Felt Bitter”

The Pretty Flowers, an indie rock band from Los Angeles, are on their third album and have a strong passion for both punk from the 1980s and power pop from the 1970s, as well as melodic indie rock from the 2000s. The bombast of “Big Dummy,” highlights our chaotic anxiety and “Came Back Kicking” hits even harder, driven by sharp guitars and tight rhythms that recall late 80s college rock with a modern edge. The opener “Thief of Time” is another winner with its jangly, melodic hook that sticks fast.

What stands out is the songwriting. The lyrics carry tension, frustration, and small flashes of hope, often in the same breath. On “Convent Walls,” he takes a direct shot at corporate control and shrinking space, while “Ring True” pushes forward with a raw punk wall of sound. Even when the tone gets heavy, the melodies stay accessible. Musically, the band pulls from a wide range of influences without sounding derivative. You will hear traces of The Replacements and nods to The Cars and U2. ‘Never Felt Bitter’ delivers strong hooks, varied songwriting, and a clear sense of identity. If you want a modern indie rock record with power pop DNA and real substance, this one earns your time. Highly Recommended.

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David Brookings

David Brookings and The Average Lookings “Exposure”

David Brookings and the Average Lookings are back. Brookings started out in Richmond, Virginia, then he headed west to LA and then Memphis. Thats where he recorded three albums at the famous Sun Studios. Opening track, “Coldwater Canyon” has a relaxed Southern vibe with catchy pop verse (even if he is talking about California).

Like other songs in Brookings past,“Exposure” has an element of humor. In this case it’s about the promises of fame, and the words of a fast talking producer selling the band. Other songs have a great pop bounce like “It’s Giving Cringe” and “Where Did I Go Right.” We also get a retro-styled ballad about “My Last Little Shred of Youth,” about a feeling we all get growing old. Highlights include the heartbreak of “She Dissed You Too” and a biographical ballad about his wife “Shelby.” Overall, a great sounding album with plenty of worthy gems. Highly Recommended.

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