Author: powerpopaholic

Davey Lane and Static Jacket

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“Davey

Davey Lane “Finally, A Party Record”

Davey Lane, an Australian musician known for his work with You Am I and The Stems, celebrates his fourth solo album “Finally, A Party Record” with eye-catching artwork that subtly references Rod Stewart’s “Atlantic Crossing.” The album demonstrates why Lane deserves greater attention. The album is a pulsating mashup of synth melodies, distorted guitar, and obvious references to rock from the early 1980s. It’s as if Mr. Roboto-era Styx had a baby with ELO making an action B-movie soundtrack.

Starting with the funky bass line of the instrumental “Mach IV” creeping synth chords build on top of it, and then the distorted guitars kick in to set up an ominous retro mood. This leads to “Not Expecting To Fly” and its deep thick synth darkness and Davey’s strong vocal make this a winner, the bright harmonies and chorus shifts recall a lost 80s classic, familiar yet brand new. My favorite song here is “Over, Over & Out” and this leans more into Tom Petty styled strum, with a richly layered chorus that builds up with great sonic details, and a terrific solo break. Other highlights include “An Absent Lover,” a thickly produced groove call-and-response play and duet with Nitida Atkinson, and “God, I’m Fucked Up Over You” a slick ballad that recalls 10cc. Lane has a unique point of view, and it seems tried to make a “party” record for those who hate parties, but love great music. Plenty of good melodies here make this one Highly Recommended.

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Static Jacket

Static Jacket “The Grape Lady Falls”

Virginia Beach, Virginia is home to the indie rock band Static Jacket. Colen LoCoco and Jason Goldberg formed the duo in 2024 after trading recordings for a year. They swiftly developed a style that is gritty, catchy, and difficult to define. Bands such as the Kinks, the Beatles, Lou Reed, Elliott Smith, Sonic Youth, Pavement, the Stooges, and Beck are supposedly among their musical influences. Their music deftly moves from pop-filled nooks to raucous, discordant explosions, drawing from a vast emotional and aural palette.

“Frown Sugar” is an excellent and memorable introduction. They sound like The Beta Band meets The Dandy Warhols; melodious and dissonant at the same time. A fantastic song with booming guitars, “Analemma” really throws everything at the listener.  The songs range from mid tempo alternative rock (“Any Wonder”) to high charged, high energy club pop (“Give Us The Money”), with the rare light harmonized gem “Undue Shine” providing a music palette cleanser. The albums first half is the strongest, but nothing here is filler. “Haunt You” and the closer “Walk Don’t Run” are also standouts here. Best of all this debut is a name-your-price download, so get it now! Highly Recommended.

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September Singles and EPs: The Mayflowers, The Gnomes, Birds Streets, Chris Richards and the Subtractions, The Cle Elum, Wifey

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With September we go back to school, old school that is. Kyoto Japan’s power pop rockers The Mayflowers are back in a big way. For the first time in over four years, their new song “I’m a Soldier” entails confronting oneself, disease, and despair. Really excited for the old school charm of The Gnomes. The new single “I’ll Be There” is a loaded with Beatlesque harmonies with a touch of punk rhythm to those “Yeah, yeah, yeahs.” Another welcome return is John Brodeur’s third full-length as Bird Streets and the great Jason Falkner  is back too, so check out “Mistaker.” The ’80s band Game Theory left it’s mark on many bands and fans, and Chris Richards and the Subtractions is one of them. Listen to this cool cover of “Make Any Vows.” After a pause, The Cle Elum has a bit of advice to “fake it till you make it” with the new single “Something In The Water.” Next, NYC’s own power poppers Wifey have anew LP coming soon, and lead singer/songwriter Teddy Gray sums it up best; “If modern songwriters would stop trying to write their “Desolation Row” and aimed for “Stacy’s Mom” instead, I think we’d all be a lot happier. Our eardrums would be, at least.” Amen, brother.






Power Popaholic Interview: Robert “Nitebob” Czaykowski

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Robert “Nitebob” Czaykowski

One of the most renowned rock and roll sound engineers is Robert “Nitebob” Czaykowski. He has been front-of-house mixing for well-known musicians for about 50 years. He has also worked as a gear tech, advised musical instrument manufacturers (the Fender Cyber-Twins has a “Nitebob” preset), and even functioned as Walter Becker’s de facto “guitar pimp.” He’s officially been production manager and sound engineer for the following artists: Steely Dan, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Lez Zeppelin, New York Dolls, KISS, Aerosmith, REM, and others.

Nitebob possesses a wealth of knowledge. If you’re in the music business, you should try to learn from his advice. We chat about his career and the state of the concert business.

 

Say Goodbye-to-Summer singles and EPs: The High Frequencies, Maple Mars, The Chelsea Curve, Flutter, Bobby Conn, Jared Bond

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Firstly, The High Frequencies (with Lisa Mychols) sings some “Modern Love” for the new Jem Records compilation celebrating David Bowie. Like all the Jem comps, it’s loaded with talent and class. Big Stir Records helps celebrate the 25th anniversary of California pysche-poppers Maple Mars and it “Couldn’t Have Been A Better Time” to put out a single. If you ever need a solid catchy rocker, just ask The Chelsea Curve as “Kindawanna” scratches that itch. This month’s freebie is courtesy of Denver’s cool band Flutter and the “When You Love Somebody” EP. Really great raw power pop without the frills, and you’ve got no excuses–so download it. For true art, check out Bobby Conn‘s “Bobby’s Place” a sonic feast of styles, but I loved the glammy “Sixties Babies” the whole EP pushes all the right pop buttons, so check it out! Finally, Jared Bond‘s “Sugar Rush” has the definitive summer lyric; “I’ll play you something chill, catchy, and cool. Let’s take a little dip in the kiddy pool.” Enjoy this last weekend at the pool, kiddies!