Category: EP reviews

Video premiere and more stuff: The Smug Brothers, Ridel High, Pop Boomerang, The Happy Somethings, Sr. Pez, Pop Boomerang

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The Smug Brothers are back with a new album, due in May titled ‘Gravity Is Just A Way To Fall’ check out the premiere of a new video by skate legend Dave Ackels. You can pre-order the album here. Now some FREEBIES! Next before Tsar became a big Hollywood power pop band, Ridel High was there, and here is a new digital EP of remastered ’90s demos. Next, UK band The Happy Somethings deliver happy folk pop that have us “Thinkin’ ‘bout good times.” and from Elche, Spain this psychedelic pop band Sr. Pez is just “Walking In Circles.” Finally, I am happy to report the return of Pop Boomerang Records compilations, this new one is ‘Electric & Eclectic Rarities Volume 2.’  It bundles up previously unreleased songs, demos, live versions, rare B-sides and a huge array of covers. Enjoy the snow melt!






Feb Freebies, singles, eps: Banda AL9, The Black Watch, Log Flume, High On Stress, John Lebhar, Vista Blue, Left Letters

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Now that Banda AL9 is signed to Wicked Cool Records, I am so glad these talented brothers (Matheus Khouri & Thiago Khouri) from Brazil will get more exposure. Here they are doing a classic Kurt Baker & Wyatt Funderburk power pop gem. The Black Watch is back with a new single in advance of an LP, and this is a band that ages like fine Cabernet.  Another band that slipped under the radar 2 years ago was Log Flume from Philly, PA. They have a great sound and we’ve got a new single that rocks (and hopefully a new LP on the way). Next I am loading you all up with freebies: RumBar Records delivers a great EP by Minneapolis band High On Stress. I loved the Tommy Keene cover “Nothing Can Change You.” This was a surprise, as Massachusetts musician John Lebhar caught my attention with the hooky “Can’t Quiet Explain,” and he’s got a lot great music (not all power pop) and its worth your time checking out his catalog on Bandcamp. A familiar voice is always comforting, and Ramones like riffs of Vista Blue are no exception. Left Letters are another band that blends indie pop, fuzz core and melody. Enjoy the goodies and remember uncle Frank’s advice; don’t eat the yellow snow!



The Power Popaholic Top 25 EPs of 2025

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Each year I need to explain that an EP to me is more than 2 songs and less than 10 songs. Many great EPs came out last year, and a late entry that literally “slipped under my radar” was Robert Harrison’s return as Future Clouds and Radar. As part of the memorable power pop juggernaut Cotton Mather, he has always been a special talent. He ranks high this year, and also of note; the band Shake Some Action appears in both my album and EP list.

    1. The Vibeke Saugestad Band “The Sun Sessions”
    2. Future Clouds and Radar “Big Weather”
    3. Peter Baldrachi “Nothing’s Promised”
    4. The Glad Machine “All the Pretty Things”
    5. Flutter “When You Love Somebody”
    6. Shake Some Action “Running Out of Places to Run”
    7. Autos “Autos”
    8. Hexham Heads “Hexham Heads”
    9. The Rallies “Rallies ’25 (The Singles EP)”
    10. Mikayla Geier “HOT POT”
    11. Friends of Cesar Romero “All Goodbyes Aren’t Bad Cause This Goodbye Is For Good”
    12. Randy Klaxon “Sunday’s Child”
    13. The Jacks “Box”
    14. Doublevee “Periscope at Midnight”
    15. The Photocopies “Treacherous”
    16. Geoff Palmer “Kodak Flash”
    17. Clean Lines “Nuisance”
    18. Corin Ashley “EP #1”
    19. Skeleton Staff “Hepto-Altruism”
    20. Svenssen “The Making of Art”
    21. Moonspin “When You’re Around”
    22. J. Fla “Moon Eater”
    23. The Needmores “Side X Side”
    24. King Hüsky “King Hüsky”
    25. Elena Rogers “Songs About Me”

 

Halloween Treats: Toni Cornell, Mo Troper, The Rallies, Dazy, Shake Some Action, Vista Blue

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These treats are so sweet! An aquatic mermaid lair, fairy wings, a candlelit room filled with potions, and a pet lion are just a few of the fantastical aspects that add to the whimsical storyline of the “Campari” music video from popster Toni Cornell. Everyone’s favorite DIY bedroom pop producer Mo Troper is back, and you have “The Best Seat In The House” to this bouncy power pop gem. Seattle’s The Rallies compile some of their newest singles, please listen to my fave, “I Believe.” Another excellent modern power pop band Dazy has an excellent EP ready, and ‘Bad Penny’ doesn’t have a bad song, really! Another real sweet gem here is the return of the mod-influenced Shake Some Action and you are ‘Running Out of Place To Run’ so you may as well enjoy these excellent tunes.Finally, the ever lovin’ Vista Blue. This new freebie single fits today’s theme, but the band has a great tradition of baseball themed EPs, and the new one ‘The Shift Is Dead’ is a fun soundtrack to this year’s World Series. Enjoy the sugar rush, kiddies!




October Non-Halloween singles and EPs: Maura Weaver, Corin Ashley, Brad Marino, Late Cambrian, Webstirs, Future Teens

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Maura Weaver’s ‘Strange Devotion’ came out last month, but feels more appropriate for Halloween. Especially the single “The Face,” shown in this video. High quality indie pop that deserves more attention here! Also back is Corin Ashley with his new EP, check out the pop goodness of “Empathy Centre” and my fave here, “Monkey.”  Rocker Brad Marino needs no “Voodoo” to get me interested in his fantastic riffs, always a welcoming sound. Late Cambrian is back with a quirky indie pop gem “Into The Lilac Tree.” It’s got great chord shifts and Olive’s amazing vocal floating behind the swirling melody. John Wlaysewski’s layered composition is really impressive here. It’s been a long time since I heard from Chicago’s Webstirs, but this new tune is a good sign that I will enjoy their new album. Finally, Future Teens have very meme-aware lyrics on “Adjust Failure” about future anxiety and seems perfect for these times. A standout line; “I’m not getting any younger and it’s clear to me now.” Next week, bring out yer dead, or some candy!