Author: powerpopaholic

The Power Cords and Dr. Cosmo’s Tape Lab

powerpopaholic
The Power Chords

The Power Cords “Stray Comets”

Los Angeles indie pop/rock band The Power Cords are Jeff Rosenfeld and Ezra Siegel, who split lead vocals throughout the new album Stray Comets. Starting with the bouncy theme “Puppeteering” it’s catchy 90’s alternative rock that’s easy on the ear. “Panic” is even better with a solid ear-worm in the chorus, with heavy power chords that make it clear how the band got its name. And the bands not a one trick pony, as the compositions vary to keep things from getting too predictable.

The sound shifts to new wave pop on “Luxetine Dreams” with sparkling synths and the mellow mid-tempo melody of “Surface of The Moon” conveys the loneliness of space and rejection. And it shifts styles from vintage rock to power pop with great chord shifts on “1982.” It also has a whimsical Oasis-like theme in “Stuck Here Again.” Highly Recommended to fans of The New Pornographers, Weezer, or The Shins.
power pop

Amazon


Los Breakdowns

Doctor Cosmo’s Tape Lab “Beyond the Silver Sea”

If anyone was to make an audio children’s fantasy I couldn’t think of a more irreverent band with solid 60’s pop style than Doctor Cosmo’s Tape Lab (aka Joe Kane & Stu Kidd). If you liked Harry Nilsson’s The Point! and Yellow Submarine, you’ll find a new favorite here. Starting with narrative by artist Adam Smith in a thick Irish brogue it then opens into the wonderful Crosby Stills and Nash styled harmonies of “City and The Stars.”

The story itself is about a boy named Max in a Sense Factory to make sense of things. The narrative precedes each song, and the story gets more bizarre as it moves forward. But it’s all a vehicle for some great late 60’s pop compositions that resemble bands from The Hollies to The Small Faces to Donovan. With 24 tracks (that’s 12 songs) you’ll have great fun playing “spot the influence” and following Max’s journey into psychedelic bliss. Highly Recommended to lovers of nostalgia and great sixties pop.
power pop

Bandcamp only

Los Breakdowns and Wits End

powerpopaholic
Los Breakdowns

Los Breakdowns “Rock and Roller Skates”

Nottingham, UK exports Los Breakdowns are heavy rock with a touch of glam punk, similar to The Jam, Thin Lizzy or Slade with sizzling riffs leading the way, like on the opener “UK Youth.”It also recalls the late 70’s power pop movement on “Rock City Limit,” or the slower rock ballad “It Ain’t Over.” We’ve reviewed their earlier album, and they’ve aged quite well.

Through the buzzsaw chords of “Sweet Pamela Jayne” and “Sometimes I Try To Hold On,” you’ll hear the longing and classic anthems that will stick with you. Not sure why the band added “Los” to replace the “The” in their name, my guess its some legal technicality. Either way this is a keeper. My favorite here is “Waiting On Perfection,” but everything sounds great. Highly Recommended.

power pop

Amazon

Wits End

Wits End “Up To Here”

Longtime San Fernando Valley buddies singer/guitarist Tom Robinson and bassist Joe Peters, brought together by a shared love for the great tradition of guitar-based rock songwriting to create Wits End. Veterans of the indie club circuit, they carefully prepared and delivered a new album, Up To Here.

“Cold Exterior” is pretty traditional indie power pop, similar to Nick Heyward or The Gin Blossoms with a both classic and modern influences. “Darla’s Night To Shine” is an early standout painting a great character study. The shimmering guitar on “Face It” is along the lines of The Orange Peels, or early REM and Tom Robinson’s vocal carries the song well. The fuzz is turned up on “High On Prednisone,” but it didn’t seem to work with the melody. A much better job is done on “Is this for Real,” but few songs stuck with me at the albums mid-point. It does get better toward the end, highlights include “Time To Go” and my favorite song here “Validated.” Overall, a talented group that’s worth multiple listens.
power pop

Amazon | CD Baby

Love Axe and Sidewalk Driver

powerpopaholic
Love Axe

Love Axe “South Dakota”

L.A. based band led by Chris Hatfield (not the astronaut) and assisted by band mates Joelle Barrios (bass), Erik Cline (guitar) and Mike Ambs (drums). They do a great job with the opener “Baby To Bed,” a striking ear worm that’s all about finishing what you start, and burying the hatchet. “Only Gonna Tear You Apart” is another engaging gem that’s part Fountains of Wayne, part Sloan.

The band stays on an even keel, “Such a Waste of a Good Thing” has a little more fuzz guitar and “Please” mines acoustic folk as a change of pace. The epic 7 minute “All That’s Gold Will Turn To Black (Part 2)” lingers a bit too long, but the band rights the ship on the solid roots rocker “Irresponsible” and then “Daughter Of A Diplomat” and “Microwave” are consistently great. Many songs just stick your head for days – Highly Recommended.
power pop

Amazon


Los Breakdowns

Sidewalk Driver “My Face”

A mixed group of players led by Tad McKitterick’s vocals and Jared Egan’s lead guitar deliver many flavors of rock and roll. Do you like classic guitar led melodic rock? Then go for “Kidnapped” or “Everybody Loves My Face” with its major chord riffs and wild guitar breaks. Or maybe you prefer a more new wave rock  try “Call My Name,” which is closer to Guns N’ Roses meets Patty Smyth.

You can’t discount guitarist Kate Murdoch’s additional vocal which makes each song she sings on stand out just enough. Or if you’re looking for a Glam strutting intro theme, “Five Steps” is a perfectly catchy gem. Following that is the danceable rhythm of “Because I Want You.” The charm starts to wear a bit on the five minute drama of a “Rock Star” who’s brokenhearted, but overall its an impressive album. Give it a try.
power pop

Amazon

Singles: Jared Lekites, The Davenports and Timmy Sean

powerpopaholic
Jared Lekites

Jared Lekites “Five Separate Lives/And It’s Over”

I may rethink my policy of no single reviews when I hear something this good. Jared has produced a single so catchy I can loop it my player and not get tired of it. Not much to say except I hope an album follows this gem of a single. The B-side “And It’s Over” has a little Jeff Lynne in its DNA, with its casual strum over a repeated muti-tracked chorus. Get it at Bandcamp only.


The Davenports

The Davenports “Leanne”

A new single a month is the strategy from The Davenports. We are on month three and Scott Klass is a master of the guitar hook and proves it once again with “Leanne.” The band also has a free EP out there, a reworking of “Five Steps” from the A&E show Intervention, and a new track “Away From Me.” Its like Chinese water torture getting a song a month, but I’ll take it… Only on Bandcamp.

Timmy Sean “Gimme Everything”

Timmy Sean has a better idea: a single each week. You get immediate gratification from the talented musician. And stylistically he’s all over the place, but I like this very Lenny Kravitz-like rocker “Gimme Everything.” You do get a series of covers and some live tracks – so if you want originals you can pick and choose. Other gems I liked are “Everything I Want” and “One Dimensional Man.” Get all of them over at Bandcamp.