With so much going on, I will have a separate post for singles, and we have a new one from Dan Miraldi featuring Palmyra Delran. “Magic in the Air” has them playing at the Cutting Room in downtown NYC. Keep your eyes out for more soon! Next we have the band, He’s Dead Jim with a perfectly fine freebie themed after the classic flick ‘A Clockwork Orange.’ And its got severai impressive tracks, listen to “Spacer.” Then Rob & Ellen, a duo from Oakland have a melodic gift with brilliant DIY pop on their new EP. Check out “So Many Californians” and “Second Hand.” Well, after making my #2 album of 2025, The Gnomes have returned for a chaser, and these guys are firing on all cylinders here. Next, The Sumos are a self-described “scuzz-pop” band from Manchester, and they have great songs. Check out “Honesty” and “Hunting Tracks.” Finally, the veteran singer songwriter Willie Wisely is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his power pop classic “She.” The remaster includes demos and live tracks, not to be missed. Start at “Go!” and be transported.
Category: EPs
May Singles and more: Matthew Melton, Onesie, Patrick Duffin, Mark Ward, The Well Wishers, Good Dog Nigel
It’s May and Matthew Melton (Warm Soda) has a solo goodie out “Gaining On You” and I enjoyed the DIY video-craft here which is a modern take on “Hard Days Night” styled stardom. Onesie also looks to come back with a new album, and the opening single “Twilight Years” is solid start. Patrick Duffin is a touring member of several bands, and his new solo album has many styles, but the opener “Emotional Transatlantic In Flight Entertainment” has very strong 10cc vibes. Mark Ward ain’t playing around, “Point Blank” is a strong political statement about the state of the world, and it hits you right between the eyes. In a similar vein, The Well Wishers add a “Pox On Everything,” with the perfect blend of melody and deep chords. Finally, from Los Angeles is Good Dog Nigel, check out “Transient Touchdown,” as its excellent shoegazer pop.
End of April: Doug Gillard, Thesaurus Rex, Dave Cope and the Sass, Swive, The Chelsea Curve, Bullseye
Doug Gillard (Guided by Voices, Nada Surf,etc.) has a new album coming out and a tour in May. I am always looking forward to Doug’s work. My FB search came upon Thesaurus Rex, high speed math rock that its kinda like TMBG in a way and I liked it. It’s been a while since I caught up with Dave Cope and the Sass, as he’s been churning out a ton of material (I will visit it all later) but his newest EP has a real gem, check out “Swedish Film.” Swive is a San Deigo band with a great sound on “Del Rio” and they fell under my radar years ago, but you can check out the debut from 2024 (Highly… you know!) The Chelsea Curve is back with more catchy music, just listen to “The Rideout.” Finally, Bullseye is a slacker band from New York City that reminds me of Big Star a little, check out “Dangers of The Heart.” Enjoy the Spring (looks like NYC is finally gonna thaw).
April EP and Single Madness: Brad Marino, Softjaw, Phenomenal Cat, Onesie, Radio Days, Randy Klawon, Shake Some Action!
Brad Marino has the formula and it still works! His new LP “Agent of Chaos” is out (review soon) and he’s calling my bluff, just check out the video. Next, one of the strongest extended EPs I’ve heard this year is Softjaw. Similar to the Uni Boys, almost every song here is great and a text book perfect example of modern power pop. Next, another great band, Phenomenal Cat from the UK holds nothing back, this is pop art as power pop. I loved “Seatown®” and “21st Century Englishman” with its touch of psychedelic pop akin to Donovan. Brilliant stuff here that should not be missed. Tough to follow, but Onesie rocks out with this new single “Meetcha At Minnies (The Captain’s Song).” Another return is Italian band Radio Days with a new album coming soon, and we get a new single to start. “I Won’t Give Up” is a blast of energy, glad to have them back. Next Randy Klawon (Flashcubes/Half Cubes) gives us a stellar pop single “All is Fair In Love.” Finally, the retro pop of Shake Some Action! new EP “Too Many Secrets” feels like a soundtrack for a lost Austin Powers sequel. Love the atmosphere here. Yeah baby!
April Showers: TMBG, Cult Canyon, Vanilla, The Super True, The Unswept, Stupid Grin
They Might Be Giants covers a giant influence of power pop, The Raspberries “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” for their new upcoming LP ‘The World is to Dig.’ I was glad to find the quirky power pop of Cult Canyon, check out the new EP and songs “Real Sublime” and “A Longing.” Vanilla chugs along with a new addition to ‘Lollygag’ project with the riff heavy “Hardly Surprised.” The biggest surprise is the freebie The Super True, with its own TMGB vibe on “Eyesore.” It’s always nice to get a visit from The Unswept. This new EP has real Fountain of Waynes vibe, and “Almost Always Better” has a Rivers Cuomo reference, so what’s not to love? Finally with Andy Goldberg’s Honeymoon Stallions getting attention, one of his earlier musical efforts Stupid Grin from 1999 is now available on Bandcamp, and it still holds up as timeless power pop goodness. Enjoy!