The Greenberry Woods “It’s All Good, Sugar…”
Maryland power-poppers the Greenberry Woods were a big deal back in the 90s. And this is a rare case of a comeback that matches expectations. Brothers Matt and Brandt Huseman having previously revived their band Splitsville last year, they return to their musical roots with original member Ira Katz. The opener even expects us to “rewind and go back in time” on the opening track “Summer Song,” and it feels like they never left.
“Waiting ‘Round For Something To Go Wrong” was demo from those early days that’s fleshed out here, but other songs resonate and feel better composed like the solid “Whenever You Want Me Too,” loaded with handclaps, harmonies, and that crisp jangling guitar. Highlights include “Very Good Year” and the very self-referential “All I Want Is You,” with a few call outs to some influences in the lyrics and the densely packed “December Boy,” with its piano solo. The strongest ballad here “That Won’t Make You Love Me” is all about rejection, with some great backing harmonies floating behind the lead vocals. Likely the best song here is the single “The One That Makes You Happy” which starts out like a Green Day song and shifts to a great chorus. Not everything clicks, but enough does and it’s great to have this band back in the power pop fold. Highly Recommended.
The Pretty Graves “The Pretty Graves”
The Pretty Graves are a Connecticut-based underground art-rock quintet renowned for their blend of unadulterated melodies, soul-baring lyrics, and fuzzed-out guitars. The indie rock density is evident on the opener “Bending Reeds” with its chugging guitar rhythm and solid harmonies. Lead singer Chris Listorti has a deadpan approach to vocals, but this contrast works even better on “Do It Again” with the gentle, dream-like beat and those deep guitar riffs feel more important, making this the most accessible single.
“Feels Good” is a satirical anthem on modern cynicism and apathy, with lyrics that tell us “everything sucks, it feels good,” it slowly becomes a catchy chant “it feels good, the more you learn, the less you know.” There is no filler here, and “Queen of Lies” and “Walkin’” each have a hypnotic quality. “Each Step” is another gem as the melodic guitars get louder in some way reminding me of Disq, but slower and more polished. Some bits of psych pop stream in on “Up On The Hill,” and the closer “Nothing Passes Like Time” has the most melodic harmonies on the album. The themes of love and loss will grow on you with each listen. Overall, an excellent album and candidate for my Top Ten list of 2026. Highly Recommended.
