Category: emerging artists

Introducing The Online Romance FREE download

powerpopaholic

The Online Romance are a pop band from Portland, Oregon that will cause lovers of light harmonic pop to do cartwheels. The band is a even six-piece, three gals and three guys. The music is a blend of baroque melody, inspired harmonies and folk storytelling that draws influences from The New Pornographers, The Left Banke, Belle and Sebastian — I also hear inspiration from The Free Design and The Clique. The group is finishing up a 12 song album and currently looking for a lable. I encourage you to download and take a listen to them.

Download “Ladybug, Don’t Smile”

My Space | Virb.com | Last.fm

power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

Anya Marina "Slow and Steady Seduction, Phase II"

powerpopaholic

It’s nice to find a fresh new artist getting major press and recognition from both Spin and Rolling Stone. Anya Marina’s Slow and Steady… is a tightly honed collection of winking pop gems and slyly sexy rock and roll that showcases this newcomer’s deft melodic sensibility and wryly humorous lyrical point of view. Anya’s sound is part Norah Jones-Suzanne Vega with a splash of Liz Phair attitude. Producers Brian Karscig and Britt Daniel (of Spoon) helps jump her to the next stage of artistic development from the early demos of Miss Halfway. The opening single “Move You” is a real keeper with an infectious beat and Anya’s cooing vocal. Other highlights here include the silky smooth “All The Same To Me” with jazzy sax highlights and the garage-styled guitar riffs on “Afterparty at Jimmy’s” where she flirts with the keen promoter of her band. The lesser tracks do not disappoint either, although the standard “Waters Of March” seems to have too much of coffee house vibe. By the whispering tones of “High On The Ceiling” you’ll be ready to hit the repeat button. The album is expected out 1/20/09.

My Space | Itunes (Move You single) | CD Baby (Miss Halfway)

power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

John Laprade and The Unremarkables EP

powerpopaholic

A few more EPs I found this weekend:


John Laprade “Blind”
John Laprade is a new voice on the scene, he scored some exposure on A&E with “Knock You Down” featuring Richard Lloyd and here is his debut EP. This song goes on sarcastically about stardom and it’s trappings, with Lloyd’s amazing guitar and Laprede’s soaring harmony. The title track, “Blind” is a terrific single, with hummable chorus and reminds me a little of Glen Tilbrook, Tommy Keene and Wilco. “Tennessee” is a little laid back country pop tune, with a bit of piano, harmonica and some nice drum work by Rich Pagano (Fab Faux). This is a prelude to John’s new LP coming soon, and it’s a good starting point.
My Space | CD Baby


The Unremarkables “21st Century Ghost”
I wasn’t too keen on this Norwich, UK group’s debut last year, but these guys keep forging onward and I am seeing improvement in both the songwriting and musical competence on this EP. The title track “21st Century Ghost” is a catchy crowd pleaser with plenty of layered guitar parts and resembles a cross between Tears for Fears, Aztec Camera and U2. “Heartache Cologne” is another highlight here with handclaps and strong guitar themes that showcase the improvements the band has made. This band deserves some attention, so guitar loving rock fans should listen up.
My Space | Itunes

power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

The Orion Experience & The Western States Motel EP

powerpopaholic

The Orion Experience
“Heartbreaker EP”
Sometimes a power pop group really has that special “something” that makes them take off in the mainstream press. I saw this last year with The Orion Experience’s debut and at IPO in 2007. Well now even Perez Hilton is jumping on the bandwagon. This dazzling EP shows the band maturing in both songwriting and musicianship, while still coasting on renewed interest in “Obsessed With You” from the last album. The new tracks, “Nice Guys Finish Last” has a Blondie meets Green Day catchy melodic riff, sure to be a radio hit if the major stations had a clue. “Heartbreaker” is a little Scissor Sisters-like doo wop that just makes you want to dance. “Sugar” is a great post-Halloween track that literally lists all the goodies “that are all no good for me” with those chunky sweet guitar riffs and as this band raises it’s profile it’ll be nice to see where the next album takes us. In the meantime, this EP is a nice sticky treat. 

Orion Experience Site | CD Baby

The Western States Motel
“Painted Birds Flying In The Orange Mirror Sun EP”
Songwriter Carl Jordan knows his way around a tune. For fans of the Elliot Smith, The Beta Band, and The Shins his is modern pop manna from heaven. Impeccable melodies and instrumentation lead each track. Unlike other solo soft spoken dry vocalists like Jeremy Messersmith or Dion Read, Jordan doesn’t let his anxieties show through in the songwriting and the delivery is very matter of fact. Even if the song is an ode to our worldly problems like “Oh World” he states “I don’t wanna turn down my stereo, it’s taken me places, some are new, some I know.” Each song has a memorable hook and highlights are “Stampede” and “Trans Am” each with a sparkling guitar strum and multi-tracked vocal. In any case, it’s made me want to investigate his earlier album on CD Baby. Jordan is an awesome talent that should not be missed, so check out this EP.

My Space | e music | Itunes | CD Baby (first album here)

Note: Rob Bonfiglio review posted on The Rock and Roll Report.

power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

The New Up and Radio Days

powerpopaholic

The New Up “Broken Machine” EP
Out of the San Francisco scene comes The New Up. From the trippy-dreamlike beats and strong bassline to ES Pitchers’s silky vocals (similar to Siouxsie Sue and P.J. Harvey) the music is poised to break out in a big way with pop fans. Beginning with the irresistable catchy pop of “Ginger Tea” and neo wave guitars on “Top of the Stairs” follows. If you’ve always wondered how Radiohead’s influence would have affected the sound of a band like 1000 Maniacs, look no further. Fans of The Cure, and classic Smashing Pumpkins will also dig the tight, aggressive style of rock coated in a cool candy shell. This is hip, modern pop that the indie masses will enjoy as well.
The New Up Site | My Space

Radio Days “Midnight Cemetery Rendezvous” EP
Lead by Dario Persi, the Italian group Radio Days have taken traditional power pop sound and mines it for great effect. Excellent songwriting and guitar work punctuate each song in the EP, that recalls Fotomaker, Weezer and Velvet Crush all at once. From the smooth Knack-like riffs on “Brand New Life” to the cover of Paul Collins Beat’s “Rock And Roll Girl” this is without a doubt a mind altering, sonic-sugar rush. “Don’t Keep Me Waiting” is a perfect mix of Cheap Trick guitars and pop bliss. With music this good you don’t ever notice the European accents (okay, you do – but it’s no worse than The Winnerys). I would keep my eye on this group for a follow up full length album, so in the meantime hunt this CD down, as it one of the best I’ve heard all year – Bellissimo!!
My Space | Interpunk | Subordination Records

power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.