Category: emerging artists

So this title sounds like a really dirty comic strip wrapped up in bubble gum. Actually it’s two bands I’ve listened to.

Bazooka Jones “Bazooka Jones”
You gotta keep your eye on Detroit, rock city… Fronted by a 4′ 11′ rock and roll dynamo Viagra and backed by the crunchy, guitar attack of her 6′ 3′ ventriloquist dummy Bullethead, the band delivers in spades, both sonically and visually. Viagra’s velvety vocals resemble a cross between Natalie Merchant and Debbie Harry. Bullethead’s strong guitar work support the basic melody and the opener “Pants Off” sets the right tone. The colorful/menacing visual images of the band don’t quite match up with the guitar pop that gets too light on occasion (“Swinging On The Moon”). I expected something more Southern Culture on The Skids, and get something closer to The Donnas or Vibeke. And that’s fine with me. In fact the hooks and harmonies are in full force on “Goodbye, Mr. Nice Guy” and the bouncy “Love Up.” These are great pop songs and Bullethead does get to go a little Van Halen on “Bazooka Ride” and a wild cover of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.” The drums keep a steady beat and help put together a string of great songs like “Girl On Fire” and “Drive In Boy” with a heavy emphasis on the “power” in power pop. Fans of Garage pop and female lead bands mentioned above should pick this one up.
MySpace | CDBaby| Bazooka Jones site

The Sexy Accident “Kinda Like Fireworks”
This is a Kansas City-based band lead by singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jesse Kates. After a great punchy pop debut, the band gets more adult and serious in subject. The sound recalls Jonathan Coulton meets Elvis Costello. “Baby it’s Not Cheating” is a great topical tale, about just thinking about being unfaithful. Jesse sings about someone he met online and convincing himself “it’s not cheating, as long as it’s fleeting” and hoping it really is a girl online. The super catchy “My Girl” is immediately accessible with a smooth guitar hook, and tight delivery. The slower tunes like “Gardener, Gibbet, Misery” are emotionally honest in telling the tale of self doubt. Jesse speeds things up with buzzing guitar on “Flirting With Disaster” and “Hey You” brings to mind Weezer or Fountains of Wayne. Other highlights include the snappy tempo and chord changes of  “Morning Drive,” and the spiteful “Dancing With My Friends” complete with wild guitar break about stewing over regrets. A worthy set of emotional pop songs with lyrical bite. FYI – you can get it for FREE on the Sexy Accident site!
MySpace | Sexy Accident Direct | Emusic

The Shaker Pegs “Blue Moon”
The Shaker Pegs are a three-piece rock-and-roll band looking to take the world by storm by playing their infectious music to everyone and anyone. Originally formed by longtime friends Mark Piro and Chris Memoli, The Shaker Pegs have always insisted on creating a sound filled with a strong sense of melody and rhythm. By fusing ‘60s-esque rock-and-roll with their own individual style, the band has an excitement that encourages listeners to tap their toes and snap their fingers. The vocal harmonies sometimes strain to keep up with the wonderful songwriting, but these guys have the right idea — Sounding a bit like a Brooklyn version of the Barenaked Ladies or Moxy Fruvous. Highlights include”Hey Natalie” and “Sloppy Joanna”
Listen to The Shaker Pegs | Itunes

White Lies “To Lose My Life”
Frontman Harry McVeigh sounds an awful lot like Ian McCulloch on “To Lose My Life”, the debut single from the band White Lies. This isn’t power pop, but if you like a thick fog of goth guitar buzz, the album’s high-gloss production and sanitized gloom will click immediately with fans of Joy Division, Tears For Fears and Echo & The Bunnymen. “A Place To Hide” and “Fifty On Our Foreheads” are also standouts on this modern Brit-mope indie album full of lyrical doubt and melancholy. The emotions on much of the additional tracks are commercially hollow, but McVeigh’s lyrical treatment works on “Unfinished Business”, booming the words “you’ve got blood on your hands and I know it’s mine” works well, it’s a perfect anthem for the Twilight crowd and the best track on the album. The string arrangements on “The Price of Love” are also a nice detail at the albums end. Recommended for vampires and vampire lovers who like pop music. FYI: The band’s site is pretty darn cool too.
MySpace | White Lies Site | Itunes

Spinnerette “Ghetto Love” EP
Punk chick extraordinaire Brody Dalle is ready to make waves as Spinnerette. The former lead singer with The Distillers keeps her tough image alive with a beat that will not quit on the single “Ghetto Love.” She has come to kick ass and does so here. Brody reminds me of Chrissy Hynde if she played with The Sweet on the follow up “Vallium Knights” with manic drumming and bass backing her up. “Distorting A Code” and “Bury My Heart” round it out and recall a female version of David Grohl’s Foo Fighters. On the latter track, her low soft vocals here bubble up over rabid distorted guitar lines. Listen to the single here on Today’s Modern Pop. Make “Ghetto Love” your workout song and I near guarantee ripped abs!
Spinnerette Website | Amazon | Itunes

The Secret History “Desolation Town” EP
The Secret History is the new project by songwriter Michael Grace Jr., formerly of acclaimed cult indie pop band My Favorite and features the debut of vocalist Lisa Ronson, daughter of Bowie guitarist and Glam Rock legend Mick Ronson. The EP sets up a long story/rock opera that takes place partly in 1970’s New York and  1900’s Italy. But is the music any good? Ronson holds together the indie pop vibe with a very Natalie Merchant meets Debbie Harry like performance. “It’s Not The End of the World, Jonah” is a good catchy opening with the great line “Getting older is a fucking drag/ We have hit a snag/ It’s sad” before the chorus. The chiming mid tempo “Our Lady of Pompeii” has some nice piano work, but the gem in the EP is “Mark & John (Bring On The Glitter Kids)” with soaring harmonies and apocalyptic lyrics “This is the end of music…” A great start for a band that shouldn’t remain secret any longer.
MySpace  | Itunes

Show Me The Skyline “Rain or Shine”
Larzz Principato, the main member of Show Me The Skyline, has had his guitar glued to his body for the better part of the last five years. Drawing influence from artists such as Hellogoodbye, All Time Low, and Dashboard Confessional, Larzz is focused on delivering modern power pop that your kids can rock to. It helps that Jonas Brothers producer P.J. Bianco lends his touch to this slick pop album. Fans of Drake Bell and The Click Five will enjoy this as well. Highlights include the catchy “It’s On Me” and the melodic “Put Your Money where your mouth Is.” The music hints at a more sophisticated sound and is well above your typical alternative teen rock.
Show Me The Skyline Website | Itunes

Sorry “The RSVP EP”
Sorry (The band), plays a DIY styled lo-fi indie power pop with a plenty of sweet melodic guitar touches, a lot like The Shins or Death Cab for Cutie. They play around the Seattle area and if you listen to the compelling “Bicycle” you’ll hear bits of Jon Auer with Paul Simon rhythms – you’ll never even notice than each of these songs are four minutes or longer. I’ve only heard 3 of the songs here, but the moody reflection of “Autopilot” feels honest and not at all pretentious, along the lines of Ben Folds. Worth a spin on the ipod for sure.
Sorry band site | CD Baby

The Gideons “Hymns For Hers”
The Gideons are a unique combination of garage riffs and rough harmonies that will make you either root for them, or toss them away as fluff. Tracks like “Steal That Girl” have a good melody and edge to it, and “Pockets Full of Love” has that nuggets-like sound. They are able to remind some music fans of The Velvets or Marc Bolan (“Get on the Floor”), and they are not intimidated by the material at all. They need to work on those harmonies a bit though. These guys are unsigned, and right now you’ll need to contact them directly to get a CD-R. Give emerging talent a chance to grow on you.
My Space

Serena Ryder “Is it Okay”
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Serena Ryder grew up listening to old Beatles and Leonard Cohen records she found in her parents’ collection. In 2004 she was signed for her first album, which earned her music cred north of the border. Now several albums later, and signed by Atlantic, Serena is ready to break out into the mainstream. USA Weekend named her among its “Faces To Watch In 2008” and Billboard declared her One of Canada’s “Most Promising.” Her vocal styling and live performances have earned her comparisons to the likes of legends Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. Serena’s sound has many different layers, from rock to folk with hints of country and soul. Her vocal delivery however, is what sets her apart from the crowd. Serena sings with so much emotion that as a listener you’d be hard-pressed not to feel where she is coming from.
My Space | Atlantic Records