Category: EPs

EP Reviews: The Poppermost, Tommy and The Rockets, The Peaces, Brisbane Radio

powerpopaholic

Glasgow native Joe Kane (aka The Poppermost) follows up his single from November with a smashing EP pulled out of the 1964 – 1965 Merseybeat era. “Well I Will” nails that early Moptop style, but “Laziest Fella In The Realm” is more like Freddie and The Dreamers, and the catchy “In & Out” is another winner. Excellent retro-pop that’s highly recommended.


Dutch power poppers Tommy & The Rockets do several simple three-chord gems as part of twofer with the band Psychotic Youth. Punchy songs that recall Kurt Baker and The Connection in approach are primarily covers, and my faves are The Jags “Back of My Hand and Chris Montez’s “Some Kind of Fun.” Check it out!

Peaces is a quartet from Germany. Love the opening heavy jangle of the title track and even though the vocals are a bit lacking, the spirit is there on “40 Days & 40 Nights.” A sweet rock song about Harry Potter’s wizard school is lamented on “Sorcerers Get All the Girls.” This is a band that deserves to be heard.

Stephen’s Shore is a band from Stockholm, Sweden with a dreamy jangle not unlike Dropkick with a bit more laidback attitude. “Skogen” and “Up To No Good” have a sound akin to the moody late 60s folk-pop of Scott McKenzie. Worth checking out for sure.

Singles and EPs: The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, Nerd Magnet, Squire, Devon Kay, The Unswept, The Dowling Poole, Katie Kuffel

powerpopaholic

So much singles goodness here, starting with the strong riffs of The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club. The Nerd Magnet (from Japan) also delivers crunchy guitar goodness that will attract power pop fans. Squire recalls a bit of the ’80s rhythm with that echoing jangle and a Beatlesque composition. Devon Kay & The Solutions has rich harmonies and a catchy chorus that made me like them “a little bit.” Our EPs feature The Unswept covering some power pop greats and The Dowling Poole has a fitting tribute to our former President. Katie Kuffel is releasing “1999” as a wistful look at parent-child relationships. Enjoy!







EP Reviews: The Airport 77, The Cheap Cassettes and The Lickerish Quartet

powerpopaholic
The Airport 77s

The Airport 77s “Rotation”

The Airport 77s embody the classic power pop spirit of 20/20, Pezband, and The Knack with a modern spin; “When you’re kissing on me do you think of James McAvoy?” is a great tune that simply rocks with both attitude and desperation. “I mean, I get it — he rocks your world…” implores lead singer Andy Sullivan.

The anthemic “All The Way” has a touch of Cheap Trick in its DNA and it’s all about making that special moment memorable. A good cover of the Bram Tchaikovsky hit “Girl of My Dreams” fits right in with the band’s style. “Bad Mom!” is another highlight, with a jagged new wave rhythm, great bass line, and lyrics that obsess about that MILF in the PTA.  The band really delivers lyrically and musically. Highly recommended.

Amazon

The Cheap Cassettes

The Cheap Cassettes “See Her In Action!”

Punk pop stalwarts The Cheep Cassettes recalls The Buzzcocks and Ramones, with its catchy garage riffs and rough-hewn vocals courtesy of lead songwriter Charles Matthews. The title track bobs along with gusto, and a fantastic guitar break before the final verse. “Only Lovers” and “Lil Bit Everyday” are great in-your-face tunes that stick, especially the latter, with a great hook in the chorus. As a bonus, we get some live tracks including The Replacements “Valentine.” Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp

The Lickerish Quartet “Threesome, Vol. 2”

Those ex-Jellyfish boys (Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Tim Smith, and Eric Dover) are back! After the highly anticipated and well-received Threesome Vol.1, the band’s follow up is more of the same.  Opening with the spacey “Do You Feel Better?” with sweet

 highly recommended.

Direct Sales | Amazon

More Xmas Presents: Another Sleigh-load of Holiday Singles and More!

powerpopaholic

Wow! The space under the tree is just packed now. Notable goodies include a full album of music inspired by the classic A Christmas Story by Ralphie’s Red Ryders (a regular contributor to our pages under a new pseudonym) and our annual single by The Slingsby Hornets. Nick Lowe adds his Christmas standards and The Martial Arts do a fine job – check out the brilliant original “Snow Flakes.” Add to this The Decibels, John Dunbar, Stop Calling Me Frank, and The Heatwaves and you’ve got another great holiday mixtape!








A Very COVID Christmas: Ho-Ho-Holiday Singles!

powerpopaholic

COVID has allowed many musicians to develop holiday music early, and this year boasts a bumper crop of great singles. In fact, it seems everyone had time to record “Jingle Bells” this year. But I enjoy the variety and originality of most of these Christmas tunes here. Grab them quick before they get as stale as Grandma’s fruitcake in January!