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.
Category: EPs
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!
The last of March: Rob Bonfiglio, Tamarack, Gooey Cookie, Friends of Cesar Romero, The Linda Lindas, Al Ham
Bob Bonfigio returns with a really strong single, and I know an album review isn’t far behind. Next we have Tamarack, an indie pop band from Michigan, and it’s a freebie. Well they reference Alex Chilton on “Everything You’ve Heard,” so it gets bonus points in my book. It’s also got lots of lo-fi charm and harmonies. Gooey Cookie is a melodic punk grunge outfit, and I really liked “Bored to Tears” and “Wired Weird.” Next a high energy freebie from Friends of Cesar Romero, as part of a trilogy of albums for 2026, so far. These guys are super prolific! Next, The Linda Lindas do a Ramones version of an old cover “California Sun,” originally a hit by The Rivieras in 1963. And finally a special thanks to Joe Giddings for turning me on to this rare slice of 1970s pop, “Move Closer to Your World” by Al Ham. This iconic anthem was created by the same team that gave you the “Buy the World a Coke” commercial at the time. Young adults can look at the last episode of “Mad Men” for the reference.