Category: EP reviews

Eric Barao and I Know Leopard

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Eric Barao

Eric Barao “Obsolete” EP

The follow-up album to Eric Barao’s self-titled debut album is finally here and he’s pulled out the big guns in the studio. Mike Viola (Candy Butchers) and Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish) are supporting Eric and all the recording, mixing and production techniques were done in the late 60’s style similar to The Beatles White Album. Jellyfish feels like a big influence throughout, with lots of instrumental flourishes, Queen-like guitar solos, and soft vocal harmonies.

“Nothing to See” slowly builds up from its orchestral prelude to its easygoing chorus that worms its way into your head effortlessly. The title track is an instantly accessible gem, with the pounding piano bed that jauntily gets to our chorus sung by Viola perfectly as he pleads “I’m not obsolete!” Both these tracks have wonderful guitar breaks that compliment the songs. “Unhappy Ending” starts with a Big Star-like riff before heading to Barao-land, layered full with synth effects and mellotron. “Bad For You” stands out because its dramatic and dark, almost like a Broadway villain theme. Next, “My Pussy-Puss” is an overly baroque tune, you almost expect a double entendre here with Roger J Manning Jr.’s multi-tracked vocals. Overall a fantastic EP that stands as one of the best of the year so far.

Amazon

I Know Leopard

I Know Leopard “Love Is A Landmine”

Sydney indie quartet, I Know Leopard is a rare breed of retro pop. They look like a cosplay version of Abba but their sound is an amalgam of ELO, Split Enz, 10cc, and Erasure. The title track is mesmerizing with the perfect amount of synth, piano, guitar, and heartbreak. “Heather” is another neon-drenched love song that sounds like a lost ’80s hit. The synths dominate the remaining tracks and bring with it a lounge-like club atmosphere.

Lead singer Luke O’Loughlin’s soft and pained vocals take center stage and brilliantly envelopes you on “All That She Cared About,” “Blame It On Me” and “Seventy Lies.” With Bassist Rosie Fitzgerald adding the anchor to each song, the harmonies and grooves are wonderful. Some songs feel like filler (“Mums and Dads of Satanists”) but once this band adds more hooks to its repertoire, watch out. Definitely, a band to keep your eye on. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Freebies and Singles: The Top Boost, Geoff Palmer, Tommy Lorente, Vista Blue, Ken Sharp, Preoccupied Pipers, The Turnback

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The Top Boost earns major kudos for this excellent 3 song EP. On the title track, they’re joined by Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish, Imperial Drag). The result is a swirling blend of bubble gum pop sweetness with a wistful lyrical undertone. A+


Geoff Palmer (The Connection) has released a few singles in advance of his next solo LP Pulling Out All The Stops. This one is more than hot, it’s a FREE download. BTW, his former bandmate Brad Marino has LP out too, reviews for both coming soon!

My favorite French power pop musician Tommy Lorente gives us a FREE download, it’s so catchy even if you don’t speak French just sing along with the “Na Na Na Na.”

The reliable punk-pop of Vista Blue continues his sports-themed Ramones influenced rock. Another FREE download!

Ken Sharp spent some time at Fernando Perdomo‘s new Reseda Ranch Studios 2.0 and recorded this little gem about the 1964 World’s Fair. Only a buck, and worth the trip through his imaginary time machine.

A goodie from KC Bowman and friends (aka The Preoccupied Pipers) about another band and its audience? Hey! It’s still a FREE download.
The Turnback is back with a new single “Unloading An Empty Gun”. If you buy it, maybe Todd, Kenny & Barry will reload and give us another album (please!)

EPs: The Re-Used Electrics, Blank Pages and Sam Hoffman

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The Re-Used Electrics

The Re-Used Electrics “For Johnny” EP

The Re-Used Electrics prowled Houston, Texas from 1980-1985 and was dedicated to translating the spirit of live punk bands of that time to local rock audiences. This 5 song EP is dedicated to Johnny Thunders (aka John Anthony Genzale) best known for his work with the New York Dolls.

The classic guitar instrumental “Pipeline” originally made famous by The Chantays is given a sweet treatment and opens the set. Followed by “Chinese Rocks,” the solid instrumental work does its best to make up for the buried vocals, which resemble a gruff Johnny Rotten. “One Track Mind” and “Pills” are good catchy rock and roll. Definitely meant to be played loud and proud.

Amazon

The Blank Pages

The Blank Pages “Into The Ether” EP

After ending a 7-year hiatus with 2018’s Before Your Summer Fades, The Blank Pages are back with a fresh EP. Guitarist Greg Potter leads the charge with the title track, a catchy anthem with a nice guitar hook. My favorite track here, “Let It Flow” is another jangling gem that rocks with gleeful abandon. The lower key “Snapshots” is more a narrative about a long lost connection and “Welcome To The Unknown” is composed a little like Joe Jackson, a synth and piano lead with driving percussion and swirling guitar rhythm. Highly Recommended.

CD Baby


Sam Hoffman

Sam Hoffman “Fairweather”

Wow, out of nowhere Sam Hoffman sounds like Richard X. Heyman fronting The Junipers, with plenty of that jingle jangle guitar. The opener “December” is just infectious and “Anything At All” is like a Byrds outtake. Some nice McCartneyesque bass highlights “Glencrest Lane,” but Sam’s vocals are a little too buried to make it stand out.

“Good Company” has a slowly rising riff that starts with gentle harmonies and a light melody. Next, the instrumental “Karate” shows us Sam’s guitar chops. Most songs are 2 minutes or less, so this feels a little like Tony Molina’s LP. But Mr. Hoffman gives us a lot more with the 5-minute + ballad “Lorraine” full of strings and western guitar. Not a single dud here and  I was super impressed by this debut. You have the option of a name-your-price Bandcamp download or support the artist through an Amazon purchase. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

More Christmas Presents: Thrift Store Halo, The Morning Line, Michael Simmons, Kai Danzberg, Geoff Palmer, Richard Turegon

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Tis the season for even more lovely holiday singles. But there’s more — a great compilation album by Geoff Palmer (The Connection) and a full covers album by the prolific Richard Turgeon. And both are FREE downloads for a limited time!




Get the single here.


EP and Singles: Pat Buchanan, Clean Spill, Karla Kane, Armchair Oracles

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Pat Buchanan is a mainstay of the Nashville music scene and was a founding member of the well-respected power pop group Idle Jets whose 1999 release Atomic Fireball garnered rave reviews. Pat’s new single “Sandbox” is a look back at Brian Wilson’s late ’60s state of mind.

Get it at CD Baby | Amazon

Clean Spill is a Santa Barbara laid-back rock band that just pushes my buttons. These guys are literal beach boys; frontman Pat Curren’s dad is a world champion surfer, and he and bassist Geoff Shae, guitarist Cameron Crabtree, and drummer Charlie Fawcett can often be found out riding waves in between band practices. Get the full EP “Nothings On My Mind” on Amazon

The Armchair Oracles, Norway’s best-kept secret has a new single out! The band is Atle Skogrand (vocals/guitar), Jan Ove Engeset (bass), Charlie Wise (drums) and Bjorn Gamlem (guitar) and they’ve played at IPO festival, so you know they’re good! Get it on CD Baby | Amazon

Karla Kane is our final treat, an autumn gem written in England by Martin Newell (Cleaners from Venus)and performed/arranged in California by Karla and her pals; KC Bowman, Khoi Huynh, Bradley Skaught and Gina Sperinde. The song is being released in conjunction with the autumn issue of Big Stir Magazine (in which Kane interviews both Newell and Robyn Hitchcock).

Get it at Amazon