Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Humbug, Trolley, and Parent Teacher

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Humbug

Humbug “Open Season”

Los Angeles quartet, Humbug, is Alex Cubillos (Lead Guitar), Ryan Bouimad (Bass), Aidan Cole (Rhythm Guitar) and Ardem Gourdikian (Drums). A solid opener with the indie rocker “Open Season,” and Aidan Cole’s vocal has an earnest quality similar to Ray Davies here. “Quit With Suzy” and “Barbara Says” continues the anxiety fueled observations with a great hooks.

Cubillos’ arrangements are compact and personal here, especially the ballad “I Know the Story.” At times, a Weezer-like burst of energy comes out like on “Nina” and “Galaga,” and these are super enjoyable to listen to. Overall, Open Season, bursts through the noise with gritty authenticity and an infectious energy that commands attention. Highly recommended, and it’s a rare Bancamp freebie (while it lasts)! Don’t miss it!

Amazon

Trolley

Trolley “A Carnival Of Grey & White”

Milwaukee’s long-running power-pop band Trolley release A Carnival of Grey and White, their fifth full-length—and it retains the band’s trademark blend of psych-tinted jangle, punchy Mod-era pop, but there’s a deeper emotional undercurrent this time. Midway through making the album, guitarist/vocalist/producer Mike Perotto passed away, a loss that could’ve scrapped the project entirely.

Instead, Paul J. Wall and Terry Hackbarth pushed forward, layering Mike’s songs with a sense of purpose that sharpens the band’s already urgent sound. The opening title track crackles with vibrant energy, and the following songs contain all the ingredients that made Trolley a vibrant band. All three band members are featured vocally, their performance carries a reflective edge on “Father Time (Will Take)” and the mid-tempo “Starlight.” Overall, an album that deserves to be heard.

Amazon

“Parent

Parent Teacher “Doombloomer”

NYC’s self-proclaimed pigeon-whisperer Parent Teacher delivers a lo-fi bedroom-pop set that should land well with fans of Mo Troper and anyone who appreciates DIY pop with some rough edges. The album opens on “Wild Emotion,” it’s understated vocals, fuzz-smeared guitars, everything barely hanging together—until it finally snaps to life with the excellent “Fire Door.” That track rides a chugging drum pulse and stacked harmonies that cut through the haze and show exactly what Parent Teacher is capable of when the hooks hit.

“Stepping Stone” is another keeper, a slow-burn mood piece that gradually piles on layers until it feels like the room is vibrating around you. The same immersive build shows up in “Hysterica,” where the grungier textures give the album some welcome bite. Not every choice lands, yet there’s real charm in the grit and the gloom. Check it out.

Vegas With Randolph and The Modbeats

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“The

Vegas with Randolph “Drops Of Gold: The Best of Vegas With Randolph”

I’ve been covering Vegas With Randolph since 2008, so this career-spanning Drops Of Gold feels like catching up with old friends—and discovering just how much they’ve grown. This compilation distills years of their hook-crammed, melodic power pop into a single place: greatest hits, fan favorites, and several digital bonus tracks, all bundled together.

From the first moments you hear “The Better Part” with those signature harmonies and bright guitar choruses, you’re reminded why VWR are one of my favorite bands. There’s no shortage of smart craftsmanship here—songs that sound effortless but carry the weight of experience. Tracks from their best albums ‘Above The Blue’ through ‘The Future Store’ are represented, and what stands out is how the band’s core strengths remain intact as their sound matured. With 34 tracks total, you always risk flattening the rough edges that made the band special in the first place. But what I hear is that these guys are having a great time playing together, particularly on tunes that sound like a non-punk version of Bowling With Soup mixed with Fountains of Wayne. Songs like “N.S.A.,” “Women in Airports,” and “The Girl Holding Out For Me” are all great examples of this.

‘Drops Of Gold’ is a solid retrospective—proof that Vegas With Randolph haven’t just been churning out songs; they’ve been refining their craft the whole time. For old fans, it’s confirmation of why you kept listening, especially the great new bonus tracks like “Perfect Silences.” For new listeners? It’s a great introduction to a band with genuine power-pop heart. Super highly recommended.

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The Modbeats

The Modbeats “Ballad of a Starving Artist”

Asbury Park’s The Modbeats have been on a roll this year, dropping one infectious single after another—and now, with ‘Ballad of a Starving Artist,’ they deliver the full payoff. This debut full-length brims with the kind of energy, wit, and melodic punch that made classic Brit-influenced power pop so timeless. It’s an album that feels both nostalgic and modern, confident in its craft and absolutely bursting with hooks.

From the opening chords, “Rocking Chair” blends sharp, chiming guitars with a swaggering “cooler-than-thou” attitude—imagine early Oasis channeling Marshall Crenshaw. Then “Fair Weather Friends” injects a bit of Beatles DNA, balancing tuneful verse with and solid chorus. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you and sticks around all day. Stylistically the band stretches out just enough to keep things fresh, from the bittersweet memories of “Shadow Oak Drive” to the driving riffs of “Frankie.” The jangling “Some Lonely Place” is another highlight, taking the spirit of the ’60s mod scene and running it through a 21st-century filter. Smart, stylish, and brimming with confidence, this is one of the year’s standout debuts. Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp | Amazon

Halloween Treats: Toni Cornell, Mo Troper, The Rallies, Dazy, Shake Some Action, Vista Blue

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These treats are so sweet! An aquatic mermaid lair, fairy wings, a candlelit room filled with potions, and a pet lion are just a few of the fantastical aspects that add to the whimsical storyline of the “Campari” music video from popster Toni Cornell. Everyone’s favorite DIY bedroom pop producer Mo Troper is back, and you have “The Best Seat In The House” to this bouncy power pop gem. Seattle’s The Rallies compile some of their newest singles, please listen to my fave, “I Believe.” Another excellent modern power pop band Dazy has an excellent EP ready, and ‘Bad Penny’ doesn’t have a bad song, really! Another real sweet gem here is the return of the mod-influenced Shake Some Action and you are ‘Running Out of Place To Run’ so you may as well enjoy these excellent tunes.Finally, the ever lovin’ Vista Blue. This new freebie single fits today’s theme, but the band has a great tradition of baseball themed EPs, and the new one ‘The Shift Is Dead’ is a fun soundtrack to this year’s World Series. Enjoy the sugar rush, kiddies!




Cody Piper and Greg Pope

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“Cody

Cody Piper “Revealed”

Pittsburgh-based singer, songwriter, and producer Cody Piper popped up on my radar as an artist of piano-driven pop that feels as emotionally honest as it is musically intricate. His debut album is a mix of contemplation and catharsis, displaying a songwriting instinct and style similar to Ben Folds.

Almost every song here stands out, and feels handcrafted. From the opener “Run Home,” it feels like the raw emotion and honesty of a true storyteller. The confessional “Be Quiet,” haunting “Hibernating,” and “Ode to a Lost Love,” speaks to Cody’s emotional anxiety. Recorded and mixed in his home studio, the record never feels small; instead, it radiates intimacy. His piano work anchors everything, on “Maybe It’s Time” and “Nothing To Tell Me,” brings to mind a Runt-era Todd Rundgren.

The love songs are keys throughout, “Leaking Me” and “Things May Change” balance the melancholy and grace in equal measure. The arrangements have catchy hooks and delicate touches of strings, synths, and guitars, giving these songs real depth.  Throughout, he avoids the trap of overproduction; this is music that values clarity over gloss, sincerity over spectacle. ‘Revealed’ is both intimate and ambitious—crafted with sweeping strings, subtle synths, guitars and heartfelt lyrics. While technically not power pop, it’s melodic as hell. Super Highly recommended.

Amazon

“greg

Greg Pope “The Roar of Silence”

I’ve been following Greg Pope’s career since 2008, and with ‘The Roar of Silence’ he delivers one of his strongest albums yet. From the first chords, this album feels like the work of an artist fully in command of his craft—but still willing to surprise you.
While “Worthy Son” and “Fallen Star” have both compelling melodies and arrangements, but with “Trick of the Light” he hits gold with its shifting key in the chorus. You’ll hear classic power-pop hooks, but rarely in a predictable way. Several tracks shift gears midstream; he doesn’t just repeat the chorus, he builds around it. The title track starts as an anthemic rock instrumental, then takes a different path. He does a similar thing with “It’s All Pretend.”

That chameleon-like ability to write a memorable chorus no matter where the verse goes has become something of a signature, and it’s on full display throughout this record. There are points where the momentum drags, but it has plenty of variety with the acoustic ballad “Still A Kid” and the sea shanty “Pirate Paddy.” And he goes back to the familiar riff candy that ends things with “Immovable Feast.” Longtime fans will enjoy this album overall, and newcomers will love those sharp hooks and descriptive lyrics. Highly recommended.

Amazon

Spooky Stuff: Halloween Sounds and Timmy Sean

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“The

Various Artists “Chilling, Thrilling Hooks And Haunted Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire”

Big Stir Records brews up a perfectly ghoulish collection for the season with Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies. The label’s roster dives headfirst into Halloween fun, mixing hooks, humor, and just enough creep factor to keep things lively. Each song opens with a brief spoken-word intro—mostly unnecessary, but it does help set the spooky tone.

Sparkle*jets U.K. bounce in with “Eyeball Eater,” a candy-coated cousin to “The Purple People Eater” and  The Incurables “Halloween Bride” are made for any Halloween dance floor. The Armoires shift gears with “Full On Witch Mode,” all dreamy séance energy and ghostly charm. The Spongetones deliver a crisp jangle on “Spirit World,” Shplang goes darker with the reverb-laden “Frankie’s Back,” and Graham Parker & The Goldtops stir up some bluesy mischief on “Music of the Devil.” With over 20 songs, not every spell hits its mark, but the spirit of the season shines through. For fans of smart pop with a spooky twist, this collection is a playful and tuneful treat bag worth digging into.

Big Stir Halloween


“The

Timmy Sean “Transmissions From The Timmyverse”

Similarly along the lines of Steve Eggers (The Nines) and Fernando Perdomo, Timmy Sean has embraced some AI tools to create “The Timmyverse,” a universe of “artists” with their own musical style. But each of these personas are created with an Artificial Intelligence assist. Timmy Sean has dived headfirst into this new technology with a massive amount of music. Volume 1 of “The Timmyverse” has funk, disco, glam and more. He continued this in a second volume this month, and the best part is that he includes the non-AI altered “original” versions of the songs (and in most cases I like them better) with “the enhanced versions.”

In the hands of a skilled musician and producer, the AI versions sound great. He’s done wonders with Beatles covers, and he gets better with each attempt. Because it jumps around style-wise, its easy to pick and choose your favorites. Stay tuned to his Bandcamp page as he grows this universe, you may find some surprises like the solid “7teen.” Check it out!

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