Category: EP reviews

Say Goodbye-to-Summer singles and EPs: The High Frequencies, Maple Mars, The Chelsea Curve, Flutter, Bobby Conn, Jared Bond

powerpopaholic


Firstly, The High Frequencies (with Lisa Mychols) sings some “Modern Love” for the new Jem Records compilation celebrating David Bowie. Like all the Jem comps, it’s loaded with talent and class. Big Stir Records helps celebrate the 25th anniversary of California pysche-poppers Maple Mars and it “Couldn’t Have Been A Better Time” to put out a single. If you ever need a solid catchy rocker, just ask The Chelsea Curve as “Kindawanna” scratches that itch. This month’s freebie is courtesy of Denver’s cool band Flutter and the “When You Love Somebody” EP. Really great raw power pop without the frills, and you’ve got no excuses–so download it. For true art, check out Bobby Conn‘s “Bobby’s Place” a sonic feast of styles, but I loved the glammy “Sixties Babies” the whole EP pushes all the right pop buttons, so check it out! Finally, Jared Bond‘s “Sugar Rush” has the definitive summer lyric; “I’ll play you something chill, catchy, and cool. Let’s take a little dip in the kiddy pool.” Enjoy this last weekend at the pool, kiddies!




Father’s Day: doubleVee, The Krayolas, Mark Ward, Richard Snow, The Rallies, DelCobras

powerpopaholic


Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. Plenty of great new music to share with your dad today, starting with Allan Vest & Barb Vest (Starlight Mints) as doubleVee who release “Everyone’s Lonely Under The Sea” in anticipation of the release of the ‘Periscope at Midnight’ EP. The rest of the EP is excellent! Dig that bass line!  Next, The Krayolas deliver a sweet tribute to Brian Wilson with “Surf’s Down” a newly released gem from the Tex-Mex trio. Speaking of tributes, Mark Ward has done a cool EP full of covers, interpreted in his own way. Check out the pop bounce of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind,” a great song with a whole new spin. With all the anxiety going on in the world today, Richard Snow has a very timely response to the conspiracy culture we’re in on “Governments Always Lie.” The Rallies are also back with a simple song that“Comes and Goes” and it really impresses during the harmony-filled bridge. Philly Green Day inspired rockers DelCobras have a great single here with “Untied (She’s The One)” with that infectious chorus. Enjoy a nice cold drink with these tunes. Cheers!






April Showers: Corin Ashley, Chris Stamey, The Lemon Twigs, Geoff Palmer, Rocket Rules, Crossword Smiles, The Supernaturals

powerpopaholic

A massive amount of quality music is coming out now: Firstly, check out the return of Corin Ashley with “Empathy Centre,” with it’s guitar crunch and free wheeling lyric, “The Commandant of kindness would like a word with you…” Next the biggest surprise; a super team up of Chris Stamey and The Lemon Twigs doing a gorgeous Beach Boys styled ballad, and the album is expected this summer. Geoff Palmer returns with his punk pop perfection on ‘Kodak Flash’. Each song here is a winner! Next, this month’s freebie is the dense, lush dream pop of Rocket Rules. Give it a listen with headphones. Another new gem is Crossword Smiles latest “Falling All Over Myself” and the consistently good band The Supernaturals with a new pair of tunes destined for the upcoming album “Show Tunes.” Enjoy the sun, popaholics!




April singles, EPs and more: Cristóvam, Falling Stars, Autogramm, Small Yards, Tiny Tiny, Swagger

powerpopaholic

No fools joke here. Check out this new single from Cristóvam. “Fever” walks the fine line between struggle and redemption, exploring the delicate balance between “chaos and hope”. For this song, Cristóvam teamed up with Australian indie-folk band Boy & Bear, resulting in a unique and atmospheric sound. Chicago-based four-piece Falling Stars have quietly released the 3-song Garden Variety EP and its great, so take a listen. New wave popsters Autogramm are back with “Randy” loaded with guitars and synths. Next, Small Yards give a punchy performance with “Shake Me Loose.” For indie pop with personality, try Tiny Tiny, a project of Boone Williams and some friends. Some cool listening on “Ultra City” and “Born Yesterday.” As a freebie, you’ve got a brand new Rum Bar Records sampler, Swagger. Loaded with 28 tracks.Enjoy.





March Singles and EPs: The Airport 77s, Juan y La Hormiga, Skeleton Staff, Cmon Cmon, Strawberry Moon, Bret Tobias

powerpopaholic


The Airport 77s are back with a new single “If It’s On, I’m In,” and its a great little tune about dating. Look for more coming up, but first a soothing song from Juan y La Hormiga (aka Muchas Hormigas and Juan Pablo Mazzola) about the romance “After The War” in Valencia, Spain. Big News here is the long awaited return of Skeleton Staff with a neat EP ‘Hepto-Altruism’ where they scale back their operatic ways, but lean on baroque harmonies and pop jangle. Everything here is a a gem so listen all the way through. Belgian alt pop band C’mon C’mon is as polished as you can get, check out “Turn off The Lights” and “All the Other Kids.” Strawberry Moon are a Virginia punk pop band with a measure of cool, check out “Rearview” and the rocking “Polly Pocket World.” and it’s a freebie – so download away! Finally, a sweet single from The Bret Tobias Set that is an ’80s-styled jangle that hits the sweet spot. Enjoy.