Category: EP reviews

The Power Popaholic Top 25 EPs list of 2022 + more

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The humble EP has grown into its own as a preferred method of music delivery since the economic incentive to release an album is not what it was. I loosely define an “EP” as two to ten songs. Many artists opt to release EPs rather than full-lengths where they can concentrate on a handful of songs at a time without the possibility of filler. Even Weezer released 4 EPs this year instead of a single long player. The album format isn’t dead, but you can see which way the wind is blowing…

  1. The Glad Machine – Hey!
  2. The Chords UK – All for Nothing At All
  3. The Black Watch – the neverland of spoken things
  4. Mom – Fun ‘N Games
  5. The Lickerish Quartet – Threesome Vol. 3
  6. Pete Donnelly (Figgs) – Anthem of the Time
  7. Christopher Peifer – Sacred & Profane
  8. Scott Robertson – Physical Education
  9. Supercrush – Melody Maker
  10. The Persian Leaps – Machines for Living
  11. Friends of Cesar Romero – Six Banger
  12. Movie Movie – Now Playing
  13. Richard Turgeon – Rough Around The Edges
  14. Hoover and Martinez – The 3P
  15. Los Andes – Backgammonesque
  16. The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club – Vanishing Point
  17. Guilty Party – Impostor Syndrome
  18. The Vice Rags – Midnight Ride
  19. Rooftop Screamers – Whispers
  20. Late Cambrian – Future Snacks
  21. Michael Simmons – Happy Traum
  22. Butterknife – Staring At The Ceiling
  23. Jay Byham – Jay Byham
  24. Nezok – The Human race
  25. The Afterglows – The Sound of The Afterglows

Special Consideration:

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Ken Sharp released a 50-song juggernaut – I’ll Remember The Laughter. It was the only “box set” of its kind this year and felt too massive to be in a single album category. If you enjoy your power pop music collection with a dose of sweet honey this would be worth your time. Amazon: Part 1 | Part 2

November EPs: The Vice Rags, The Morning Line, Christopher Peifer, Orbis Max, and Peter Hall

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As we prepare to stuff our faces for the holidays, let us not forget our ears. These EPs are all perfect for that lull before dinner is prepared. The Vice Rags are back, with Paul Rosevear (Readymade Breakup) mixing bluesy rock and roll with attitude. Check out “Midnight Ride” and “Voodoo Hoodoo,” and ask why RumBar Records hasn’t signed them! San Francisco band The Morning Line also returns with a collection of crafted rock, check out the excellent “Lookin’ Right At You.” Criminally underrated Christopher Peifer has a solid sound and tells musical tales akin to Paul Westerberg and Alex Chilton. Check out “Wide Receiver,” Twisted” and “Left The Map.” Orbis Max has collected quite a few singles over the past few months, it’s compiled on This Just In. This post ends with an odd, but a beautiful single by Peter Hall. “In Plain Sight” speaks to me personally this season. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.






October EPs and Freebies: The Persian Leaps, The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, Rum Bar Records, Canadian Invasion, Friends of Cesar Romero, The Chords UK, Gavin Guss

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New music that deserves to be heard. The Persian Leaps return with a fresh new EP, and they still impress with their solid songwriting on “Maybe Time Will Let Me Forget” and “Beautiful Inside.” It’s an early Halloween treat from The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club on the Vanishing Point EP, with creepy synths on “Every Night I’m Dying” and heavy riffs on “Why You Ghosting Me Girl?” Both are recommended. Rum Bar Records’ newest sampler is another great FREEBIE, check out the strong female rockers Cindy Lawson and Abbie Barrett. Canadian Invasion is a bit more subtle in approach, check out the mid-tempo “Swim Club,” it’s one of the better singles this month. Friends of Cesar Romero adds some garage swagger and fuzz to their new EP. Each song rocks and it’s also a FREEBIE (no excuses)! The party continues with The Chords UK, check out the anthemic opener “All For Nothing At All” with its handclaps and high-energy riffs. Finally, a single cover from Gavin Guss, was initially done by The Police, but it sounds like a perfect Nick Lowe version.







Sept. EP Reviews: Guilty Party, Movie Movie, Kai Danzberg, The Pictures, Cleaners from Venus

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Let’s start with some outstanding new EPs. Guilty Party is the new project of Angelo Celli (Bracket) and it has his signature fuzzy power riffs and melodic Superdrag-ish punk pop. “Baby Bird” is a solid highlight. Movie Movie is an NYC-based band that cleanly combines power pop, glam, and 1980s rock influences. “Big City Tonight” is a fast-paced rocker, but all these tracks are distinct and worth exploring. Kai Danzberg, the German pop maestro has an acoustic unplugged session with some of his favorite songs. Australian Davey Lane (You Am I) started a new project with bass player Luke Thomas and drummer Brett Wolfenden called The Pictures. Its rich deep rock sound is pretty refreshing, and finally veteran popster Martin Newell returns with a new EP and an album on the way, as The Cleaners From Venus, he explores London from the local perspective both in lo-fi and melodic as ever.






September Singles, Freebies, and Eps: The Orion Experience, Danny Wilkerson, Canadian Invasion, Geoff Palmer, Bill DeMain, Rooftop Screamers, and more

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It’s the World Premiere of The Orion Experience‘s new single “Moving” is a loving tribute to the 80’s legend Kate Bush. A favorite artist of lead singers Orion Simprini and Linda  XO, they do a killer version with sharp riffs and harmonies. More will be coming, but for now, check out last year’s rich tapestry of danceable pop Fever Dream EP.

Danny Wilkerson (Pengwins) comes up with a sweet love tune “Strawberry Sherry,” and a new album isn’t far behind. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard from the underrated Philly band Canadian Invasion, the new EP features re-mastered tracks from Songs for the Atco Ghost (2006) – it’s a FREEBIE, so pick it up. And Geoff Palmer is back with a tribute to the great Dee Dee Ramone by Standing in the Spotlight. Highlights include “Brooklyn Babe,” “Baby Doll”, and “Emergency” which are just a few gems off this fun EP.  Missing summer yet? This FREEBIE and massive treasure trove from Ice Cream Man Power Pop, Indian Summer is a perfect gift. Plus a few more singles for you; Bill DeMain sings about the “Lone Ranger” with swooning strings akin to Jeff Lynne. Finally, the Rooftop Screamers get the great Tim Smith (Jellyfish, The Lickerish Quartet) to sing about “The Great Unknown.”