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, with the exceptions being 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 slowly builds into something great. “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.
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 power pop and garage punk.
From the first riffs of “Blowing Smoke,” Marino makes it crystal clear—he’s not dialing it down, he’s turning it UP. 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, 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 the album reviewed above. But, if you’re interested in fast, energetic songs filled with hooks and a sense of grit, Marino has the goods. Highly Recommended.