Category: emerging artists

The Silver Liners, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart and Sklyer

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The Silver Liners “s/t” EP
A terrific band just gets better here. Washington, D.C. based Silver Liners have merged the catchy pop of Maroon 5 with the guitar assault of Foo Fighters on their new self titled EP. Starting with the danceable rock of “Runnin’ Through My Head” the melody hooks you and keep you around for the brilliant riffs on “Hot Mess.” Every single track shines here, my favorites being “Without A Face” and the funky “Just Like The Rest” with a beat guaranteed to make you move. Highly recommended and  if you’re looking for the new vanguard of guitar based power pop – this is it. I can’t wait for the full length album as this is the best new EP I’ve heard this year.
The silverliners.com | Amazon

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart  “Heart In Your Heartbreak” EP
Neatly described by Rolling Stone as a “Bell & Sebastian/Smashing Pumpkins collaboration.” This is an infectious slice of chunky power-pop with a great beat, sweeping synths and well-placed guitar jangle, it’s immediately obvious that the a production team has brought out the best in the band. Both songs on this short EP are great and would sit just fine next to Teenage Fanclub on your ipod. The band has been releasing material at a feverish pace so check out the earlier EPs and hear them evolve.
My Space | Amazon 

Skyler “Long Gone” EP
It’s rare that I look at a teen prodigy but Skyler is a better than most, and he’s got a little Beatle in him on the catchy opener “Hold My Hand.” Plus he knows loads about rock hooks on the arena ready “Any Stupid Thing” and the anthemic jangle of “It’s Just The Night” recalls DelAmitri melodies with Bon Jovi bombast. Each tune here boasts solid songwriting and strong production. A few countryfied miscues on “Stephanie” aside, it’s no surprise that this is Skyler’s fifth EP. He’s already a veteran musician and only a freshman at the Berklee College of Music, so this is your chance to hear a future star.
MySpace | Amazon

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Hardcore Lounge, The Villas and The Rocketboys

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Hardcore Lounge “Dance Of My Life”
Some bands just don’t fit neatly into a music category. Chris and Wes Johnson from Charlotte, NC have a background with The Johnson Family Singers. The band plays in a classical pop ensemble, with a variety of instruments and players including Mary Massie (flute, keyboards), Marco Heeter (bass) and Marlon Young (drums). The clean production work showcases what could be lounge pop with an avant guarde twist. I liked the brassy “Holiday” and quirky “Super Sized” – not power pop for sure, but you may enjoy it if labels aren’t that important to your musical experience.
MySpace | CD Baby

The Villas “Jamie” EP
This Austin band’s got spunk and loves loud melodic pop, in the Weezer vein. Lead singer Jonathan Berry snarles out every tune, with a crunchy guitar by Bryan Winter. But as much as they try, the band still has a long way to go and the rough harmonies don’t quiet cut it. The acoustic “Fading In My Mind” brings to mind those old Stones ballads, and I liked this tune the best. 
Villas Music | Bandcamp

The Rocketboys “Wellwisher” EP
Another Austin, TX band creates moody pop with anthemic arrangements, lead singer Brandon Kinder kind of recalls Sting if he was part of Coldplay. “Narrow Space” opens with strong drum fills, floating synth strings and Kinder’s strong croon takes over. The band has already begun writing its second full-length, which will be out by summer 2011 and feature a bucket of brand new songs from the six-piece group.
power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

Ladies Nite! New musical talent reviewed

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Automatic Loveletter “Truth or Dare”
Lead by the fearless Juliet Simms, Automatic Loveletter got my attention with the fist pumping anthem “Heart Song” and her distinct rasp will appeal to fans of Pearl Aday or Alanis Morissette. The lyrics are full of the drama related to heartbreak and overall the tunes are melodic despite the slick rock production. A very good debut.

Lola Spriggs “Nobody But You” EP
Lola is a  multi-talented Ottawa, Ontario based pop singer with a knack for catchy sweet songs. The title track, “Nobody But You” will bring to mind the best stuff Abba never wrote.  “I Wanna Love You” has a bouncy rhythm and lazy guitar riff that compares well with Sheryl Crow’s debut. Lola’s infectious voice makes this EP come alive and even the hokey country pop stylings on “Love On Rock” are a treat.
MySpace | Amazon 
Amy Regan “Gonna Get Better” EP
With so many good female pop vocalists out there you need a little extra to cut through the clutter. Amy Regan is a great songwriter too, and her success doing songs for TV commercials helped her break through. Her balladry compares well with Joni Mitchell or Edie Brickell on “Keep You Warm,” but the pop bounce on “Crazy” is what impressed me the most. This is honest to goodness pop that just makes you smile.
MySpace | Amazon | CD Baby
Jamie Bendell “Something More” EP
Jamie Bendell is a New York City artist with a wistful songwriter vibe that draws you in with a wavering vibrato in her voice. She makes the whole act of drinking “Chocolate Milk” a exercise in self reflection a la Ben Folds. “Rescue Me” is a compelling single as well, with a strong melody in the chorus.  If you’re looking for a more poppy version of Norah Jones, then Jamie Bendell isn’t a bad place to start.
MySpace | itunes | CD Baby
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Emerging Artists: Stu Lewis and Excuse Me, Princess

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FREE is good right? When it comes to “pay what you think it’s worth” music or just free, Bandcamp is a great site for artists just getting their feet wet. Here are two…

Stu Lewis “Waste Not What Not”
Stu Lewis counts The Cars and The Rentals as major influences for his synth heavy pop sound. It’s a solid 5-track EP featuring “With Authority,” “Don’t Really Matter” and “Stay Free” which have a good songwriting structure and remind me of Doug Powell or Martin Gordon with its multi-layered composition. A love letter to our first lady “Michelle” is a bit creepy, but it’s catchy all the same and the best song of the bunch here. Stu’s music is definitely worth your time.

Bandcamp 

Excuse Me, Princess “The Sun and The Moon”
Here is an arty 9-track album full of indie pop music created by Jack Campbell. Jack shares some vocal duties with Greta Konkler on a few songs like “Miss” and “Totoro.” Some ambient stuff, but plenty of spirited music – listen to the Cure-like “Fool” with it’s “do-do-do” hummable chorus and a solid guitar tune in “Stop The Flow” which has Velvet Underground and Bowie as influences here. This homemade album was made in his basement, and it’s got plenty of lo-fi charm. Give it a listen.

 My Space | Bandcamp | Itunes
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