Sometimes it makes sense for a power pop artist to test out a different sound. That’s exactly what Justin Kline is doing with this new band Origami Hologram. Using a noise pop template Justin is joined by Dan Wax (Bass, background vocals) and Jamie Mclane (Drums) recording it all in his home studio in Murfreesboro, TN. “Bats In The Attic” uses textures like Robert Pollard, with amp hum and feedback as part of each song (mostly as a backing layer) and extra fuzzy guitars. Justin’s earnest vocals and harmonies still work each on composition, the standout being “Ghost Horse”. It’s all pretty good and best of all it a FREE Download. Enjoy!
Category: EP reviews
Dark Ocean Colors and Jenny O.
Dark Ocean Colors “Dark Ocean Colors”
The duo of Scott Hunt and Mark Mikel have worked on many projects together (including The Pillbugs and The Sprags) to create a rich tapestry of psychedelic textures and looping melodies using numerous instruments (guitars, Mellotrons, violins, etc.) and old analog gear to give it an authentic vintage sound. “My Barbara Closed The Doors” gets started right where the Pillbugs left off and it sounds great. “Crashing The Sky” sports a marching beat to the swirling guitars and vocal harmonies. Fans of progressive rock will also love this, as it’s a got a strong instrumentation on “The Other Line” and sunshine pop fans will swoon over “Lazy Lighthouse Jupiter Band” and the baroque “Same Old Mistake.”
This is an album is a real grower for audiophiles that reveals gorgeous musical tidbits with each listen. It did appear on a few “best of” lists for last year for that reason — as even weaker tracks, like “She’s A Cornucopia” are performed so beautifully, despite the lack of a hook. Best comparison I have is The Olivia Tremor Control’s Dusk At Cubist Castle but with better harmonies. Just listen to the vocals on “Dream Away” and try not to be impressed. This is one great headphones album.
Amazon | Itunes
Listen to “My Barbara Closed The Doors”
Jenny O. “Home” EP
Jenny O. reminds me a bit of Anya Marina mixed with Janis Ian, it’s got hints of folk, blues and a very sparse production. Honestly the bass hook and brazen lyrics on “Well OK Honey” just drew me in here and its cool beyond words. “All My Wishes” is a great showcase for Jenny’s melodic vocal and the gentle folk acoustic guitar and steady beat makes “Won’t Let You Leave” another winner.
Another solid melody is on the old piano ballad “I Do I Do” where it builds with double tracked harmonies and tambourines to a complex weave of melodies that would make Brian Wilson proud. I can’t wait till the full length – this EP is highly recommended for sure – also check out the video.
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LL Cosmonaut, Queen Electric and IKE
A few quick EP reviews before the ball drops on 2011…
LL Cosmonaut “Why X-5” EP
The new project from Paul Steel is described as kalaedeoscopic, irreverant, melodic Lazer Pop. Call it whatever you like, it’s pretty darn good. A stellar mix of guitars, effects and dance beats all greet us on “Why X-5.” I’m sure if Roger Manning Jr. had joined the band OMD it may have sounded like “We Came in Peace” with it’s sunshine friendly harmonies and electronic loops. Each song is lushly orchestrated and best of all it’s available for FREE on the band’s website. Get it quick!
LL Cosmonaut website
Queen Electric “Queen Electric” EP
Another favorite artist of this site, Scott Sax slipped this EP out over the summer. The opener “Gonna Let You Down” is like a power pop version of Led Zeppelin. Scott still has the gift of great melodic choruses and solid harmonies. But here he adds guitar muscle and real atmosphere behind each tune, which earns it major props from me. The remaining tracks try a few different techniques, all with good results. No filler anywhere on this 7 track EP. Again, this is an easy purchase (name you own price) if you’re tapped out from all that holiday shopping.
IKE “The Little People, Church and the Steeple” EP
Scott Sax’s former band, the Philadelphia based IKE is still chugging along. John Faye (Caulfields) continues to take IKE in a hard rock direction here through 5 tracks, and the other half of the album contains all acoustic versions. All well and good on the opener “Rock And Roll Dreams” which really drives up those guitars. The other songs are also impressive. Standouts include “IF I Can Help It” and “Glorious Mistake.” The acoustic versions give you a preview of IKE’s living room shows and how well they translate each song to a single guitar.
CD Baby | Reverb Nation
Kurt Baker and Ross and The Wrongens
A few quick EP reviews before the ball drops on 2011…
Kurt Baker “Rockin’ For A Living” EP
Former lead singer of The Leftovers, Kurt has made a big splash with an album of cover tunes, and now his own material wows us on Rockin For A Living. This EP proves to be one of the best of 2011, opening with “Just Forget About It” with a memorable chorus similar in style to classic Elvis Costello. The handclaps and harmonies are all over “Don’t Steal My Heart Away” and it proves to be incredibly catchy. “Can’t Have Her Back” and “Why You Gotta Lie” are also real power pop gems. Kurt’s enthusiasm for the material spills out over the speakers on each tune. He even gets a little punky on the closer “The Problem.” Easily a “must-get” EP for fans of great rock and roll. I can’t wait to see what Kurt does next!
Amazon | Itunes
Ross And The Wrongens “Live In The Loos” EP
This is a talented new band with some classical rock and jazz influences. Opening with “That Magic Feeling, ” it’s got those sweet “sha-la-la” harmonies and Hammond organ slides. The next gem here is “Summer Sun” with it’s jazzy flair and bouncing melody. Lead singer Ross Wrongen has a vocal that wavers between hope and angst, and it’s pretty expressive on “Through with You (Ballad Of An Alcoholic).” Live In The Loos reminds me of The Kinks, Counting Crows and The Turtles all having a jam session. It’s a short but sweet EP with 4 “ready for AM radio” styled tracks. Give it a listen.
My Space | Amazon | Itunes
Sunbears! and The Farewells
Sunbears! “You Will Live Forever”
Jonathan Berlin and Jared Bowser are the orchestrated indie rock band from Florida known as The Sunbears. Opening with “You Will Live Forever,” it’s a solemn piano intro akin to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata with harmonies. It charges right into the heavy handclap and beat of “Give Love A Try” with it’s echoing hippy chorus. The classic influences are spread around, like if Radiohead, Muse and Phil Spector are all sharing a toke. Both “I’m Crazy” and “Together Forever” share that wall of sound, with the latter tune evoking Lennon’s “Give Peace A Chance.” The psychedelic vibes get heavier on “Strung Out! On My Own!” with a solid hook in the chorus, surrounded by a symphonic cacophony. Another grand chorus is found in “They Think They’re Soooo Philosphical” the album’s true centerpiece. Fans of The Flaming Lips, Polyphonic Spree and MGMT will definitely want to add this to their playlist.
The Farewells “Litterbug”
Peter and Samantha Linnane are the husband/wife duo called the Farewells. This is subtle and unassuming indie folk pop done with superior musicianship and polish. The slow jangle of “Beehive” is an lovely atmospheric portrait of the autumn season with some dreamy harmonies. “Lovesick” has the easy going mood of Bread or The Autumn Defense, and a catchy guitar rhythm and chorus that sticks in your head. Another highlight is the sweet pop of “Nightlight” with it’s Byrdisan strums, and the title cut has a slow blues tempo with distorted twang over handclaps to the lyrics “Don’t use me up/ Don’t throw me out/Oooo my Litterbug”. However the easy going atmosphere can make listing to the jazz-touched “Burgundy Red” or gentle instrumental “Biking Song” an effortless, and forgettable experience. But when it melodically hits the sweet spot I can’t think of a better set of folk compositions.
Bandcamp | Itunes