Category: EP reviews

April EP and Single Madness: Brad Marino, Softjaw, Phenomenal Cat, Onesie, Radio Days, Randy Klawon, Shake Some Action!

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Brad Marino has the formula and it still works! His new LP “Agent of Chaos” is out (review soon) and he’s calling my bluff, just check out the video. Next, one of the strongest extended EPs I’ve heard this year is Softjaw. Similar to the Uni Boys, almost every song here is great and a text book perfect example of modern power pop. Next, another great band, Phenomenal Cat from the UK holds nothing back, this is pop art as power pop. I loved “Seatown®” and “21st Century Englishman” with its touch of psychedelic pop akin to Donovan. Brilliant stuff here that should not be missed. Tough to follow, but Onesie rocks out with this new single “Meetcha At Minnies (The Captain’s Song).” Another return is Italian band Radio Days with a new album coming soon, and we get a new single to start. “I Won’t Give Up” is a blast of energy, glad to have them back. Next Randy Klawon (Flashcubes/Half Cubes) gives us a stellar pop single “All is Fair In Love.” Finally, the retro pop of Shake Some Action! new EP “Too Many Secrets” feels like a soundtrack for a lost Austin Powers sequel. Love the atmosphere here. Yeah baby!





April Showers: TMBG, Cult Canyon, Vanilla, The Super True, The Unswept, Stupid Grin

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They Might Be Giants covers a giant influence of power pop, The Raspberries “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” for their new upcoming LP ‘The World is to Dig.’ I was glad to find the quirky power pop of Cult Canyon, check out the new EP and songs “Real Sublime” and “A Longing.” Vanilla chugs along with a new addition to ‘Lollygag’ project with the riff heavy “Hardly Surprised.” The biggest surprise is the freebie The Super True, with its own TMGB vibe on “Eyesore.” It’s always nice to get a visit from The Unswept. This new EP has real Fountain of Waynes vibe, and “Almost Always Better” has a Rivers Cuomo reference, so what’s not to love? Finally with Andy Goldberg’s Honeymoon Stallions getting attention, one of his earlier musical efforts Stupid Grin from 1999 is now available on Bandcamp, and it still holds up as timeless power pop goodness. Enjoy!




The last of March: Rob Bonfiglio, Tamarack, Gooey Cookie, Friends of Cesar Romero, The Linda Lindas, Al Ham

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Bob Bonfigio returns with a really strong single, and I know an album review isn’t far behind. Next we have Tamarack, an indie pop band from Michigan, and it’s a freebie. Well they reference Alex Chilton on “Everything You’ve Heard,” so it gets bonus points in my book. It’s also got lots of lo-fi charm and harmonies. Gooey Cookie is a melodic punk grunge outfit, and I really liked “Bored to Tears” and “Wired Weird.” Next a high energy freebie from Friends of Cesar Romero, as part of a trilogy of albums for 2026, so far. These guys are super prolific! Next, The Linda Lindas do a Ramones version of an old cover “California Sun,” originally a hit by The Rivieras in 1963. And finally a special thanks to Joe Giddings for turning me on to this rare slice of 1970s pop, “Move Closer to Your World” by Al Ham. This iconic anthem was created by the same team that gave you the “Buy the World a Coke” commercial at the time. Young adults can look at the last episode of “Mad Men” for the reference.





March of the EPs: Ryan Hamilton, Late Cambrian, Triples, Space Jaguar, Laughing Week, The Dracu-Las

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New excellent EPs here! Can I just say that Ryan Hamilton looks nearly unrecognizable with his hairless head and face, but his latest single “Come To Jesus Moment,” has that comfortable melodic hook. Welcome back, Ryan! Next, John Wlaysewski has been mastering the genre mashup with Late Cambrian and his new EP ‘How I Bleed’ is killer! A gutsy combo of funk, rock, pop that would make Lenny Kravitz jealous. Triples is the project of Toronto songwriter, guitarist, and actor Eva Link. Her catchy melodies reflect influences from Guided by Voices, Liz Phair, Courtney Love, and Juliana Hatfield. Space Jaguar is a folk-rock pop combo that got my attention. Check out “Bright Future” and “Go Home,” it’s a little bit like The Lemonheads. LA band Laughing Week has a harder power pop sound with a nostalgic vibe that credits Ultimate Fakebook. I loved “Conspiracy” with the great opening lyric, “You said they poisoned the water and made all the frogs turn gay.” Finally the retro catchy surf guitar of The Dracu-Las. I dare you to listen to the first track and not sing along to all the “doo-be-doo-be-doos.”




March singles: The Grip Weeds, TV Sound, Kai Danzberg, The Morning Line, Your Academy, Willis Van Doorn

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March roars in like a lion, but I prefer The Grip Weeds! “Spinning The Wheel” is a kick ass song from their last LP, and it makes a great video. New is the band TV Sound from New Jersey, check out the rock riffs on the middle of “No Guarantees” and “Zak” and you will be hooked. Long time fave Kai Danzberg thought it was “Time To Change,”  and gets a bit heavier than usual here, but his attitude sells it. More to the point, The Morning Line is back with “90s Pickup” and liking that chorus where we “stare to the right, stare to the left.” Pickup this great freebie!  Memphis band Your Academy also is back, and it’s got a “Kind of Love” that sounds like a new romantic classic to me. Finally, Willis Van Doorn from Kansas City, has a bright pair of pop singles here. Expect an album out this summer. Also, next week expects to be much busier for me, so stay glued to this site. More to come!