Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

The Magic Gang and K7s

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The Magic Gang

The Magic Gang “The Magic Gang”

After a long build-up, Brighton UK band The Magic Gang are finally gaining stream with their new LP. They are influenced by Teenage Fanclub, Jon Brion, and others. But I really hear Weezer in the opener “Oh, Saki.” Most of the music concentrates on relationships and how there is always a little hope on the horizon. The standouts “All This Way” has a high energy melody and it leads us to “Getting Along,” about pouring out your frustrations to a soaring chorus. The guitars chug away bringing forth catchy chords and highlighting each hook.

The anthemic “Alright” is another gem with the quiet verse, then loud chorus and the perfect amount of guitar fuzz. After this, the album calms down a little but still draws on those smart melodies. The band’s classical influences come out on the ballad “Take Care,” like a boy band without the schmaltz. The album displays quirky earnest on “I’ll Show You,” and the Beach Boys-like harmonies are brilliant. There isn’t a dud on the album and the crisp vocals are highlighted in a few unplugged versions. Highly Recommended.

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K7s

K7s “Take 1”

While Kurt Baker is involved with several other projects (Bullet Proof Lovers, New Trocoderos, The Kurt Baker Combo) he’s found another band in Spain to rock around with called the K7s. Their hyperactive power-chords fuse elements of garage punk and power pop. “Running Back To You” is a solid opener and fans of Green Day, The Ramones, and Shonen Knife will love it.

“Listen To My Heart” fights to get that melody past the buzzing rhythm guitars but “Every Night” is another bouncy gem that hooks you good. Each of the songs is short and sweet with a punk spirit that’s stronger than most pop bands, as “I Want You To Know” and “All About Me” shred aplenty. Not everything works, but most of the music will find a place on your playlist. With Kurt’s vocals and direction, this band is poised to chew bubblegum and kick ass. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Amoeba Teen and Magpie

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Amoeba Teen

Amoeba Teen “Selection Box Vol.1”

From Stourbridge, UK the duo of Mark Britton and Mike Turner put together a collection of power pop songs and reformed Amoeba Teen with Simon Muttit (Bass) and Carl Baylis (drums). They even played last years International Pop Overthrow festival, at the iconic Cavern in Liverpool.

“This Spark” has plenty of punch, the thick riffs contrast with Britton’s clean vocal harmonies. The guitars don’t get heavier but “Pop!” feels like a sequel, with the refrain “I try to keep up, but I can’t stop” that will burrow into your brain. Next, “The Damn British” is a fine mid-tempo ballad where the chorus combines with a strong bass line, harmonies, and an emotional message. Some of these tunes came from Britton’s last LP and still sound just as sweet. “Dear Rosa” is a McCartney-like song similar to his “Afternoon Tea,” and the Jellyfish-like “Family Guy” is another delight.

The iconic riffs of “Hearts and Minds” lead to a rich melody that stands out among the new songs and it’s my favorite here. The Beatlesque “Long Live Memory Lane” starts with strings and ends with horn flourishes, sure to impress. While there is no clear consistency, the music is very good and you can get the album from the band’s site FREE for a limited time.  Highly Recommended.

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Magpie

Magpie “Picasso on a Log” EP

Magpie is made up of members of two excellent bands. Andy Morton and Mike Poulson are in Bronco Bullfrog, Paul Tozer and Chris Woodland are from The Bad Detectives. Combined you get a great selection of shimmering summery music, and from the opening notes of “She Knows Where I Live,” you just know this is awesome. It’s got a 60’s style vibe and a Rubinoos styled chorus and jangling guitar break.

“Don’t Turn Your Back On The Sun” slows down to an indie roots style with its jangling Rickenbacker rhythm and bouncing bass line perfect for the beach. “Wrote Me A Letter” has that Big Star vibe and “Daisy Paints Her Fingers” is another gem that makes me scream for more. Only four songs, but damn are they good! A top ten rated EP for sure.

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EPs and Singles: Radio Days, Everet Almond, Jeff Litman, Death of Pop

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Italian power pop band Radio Days has a new 4 song EP as the band stretches its wings into a punkier sound on “Time Is Over,” and the ballad “Sometimes” recalls early John Lennon solo. A jangling romantic version of The Ramones “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” is cool and we end off with the surf guitars of  “El Delfin Y El Varano.” Get it on Amazon.

Everet Almond is back with his third EP, the opening glam guitar and simple lyrics sound like a mix of Marc Bolan and McCartney. The jangling melody of  “Be Where You Are” and “Right Kind of Lover” are terrific songs. I think Everet is ready to release a full-length LP at this point.

Jeff Litman has a FREE download for you with his “Next Affair,” as he mixes the styles of Prince and Elvis Costello, and it is a unique sounding single. Check it out.

The Death of Pop has a new EP out called “Heads West.” The song “700 Spas” has a good contrasting combo of furious percussion, synth, and airy light vocals. It’s short and sweet. Fans of Sparks will love this one.

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Linus of Hollywood and Watts

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Linus Of Hollywood

Linus Of Hollywood “Cabin Life”

Like a fine wine, Linus Dotson seems to just get better with age. The California singing/songwriter/producer is back with more irresistible songs guaranteed to live on your playlist for the rest of the year. The title track starts out with a light melody that grows with a sing-along chorus, a whistle about “goin’ to the woods” and off the grid. Next “At All” is a Squeeze-like melodic rant against an ex who cheated and lied, and then got back in touch online.

“Wasted and in Love” is another gem with “yeah, yeah, yeah” in the chorus and a bassline that leads everything else along. The simple acoustic guitar continues the narrative after “the liquor is done,” on mid-tempo “I Can’t Sleep.” The slow bossa nova beat of “Summer On Your Shoulders” stands with one of Linus’ best sun-soaked melodies. Each song is carefully constructed to lift the spirit, even the slow ballad “Snow Day” rises with its choral backing and majestic chords. It’s also notable that there isn’t an obvious single either. Without a false note or any filler, what else can I say about this album? It plays so well, the minutes fly by and then you need to put it on repeat. It clearly ends up on my top ten for 2018 list, and super duper highly recommended.

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Watts

Watts “We’re All Done With Rock and Roll” EP

Yeah, right. Like when Pete Townshend declared “Rock is dead,” we didn’t believe him then either. Watts continues to churn out riff-tastic rock and roll, and this opener is a FREE download from the band. Next, “Hi Definition” features the chorus “You wanna get me high” that climbs after each repeat.

But the best song here is the catchy “Sunlight Alleys” with a Raspberries like guitar melody, John Blout’s raspy vocals, and some hand claps. The closer “Tear It Up” lives up to its name, with an AC/DC like rhythm guitar attack. It’s always great to hear Watts, and this is another “must get” addition to our collection. Oh, you bet it’s recommended.

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Late Cambrian and Andy & Jason Reed

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The Creachies

Late Cambrian “Sweet Cambrian High”

Brooklyn band Late Cambrian continues to weave magical electro-pop with its dance-friendly melodies. In fact, it stands out with superb arrangements and clean production.

The jangling “Girl Bag Holder” has a moody synth melody with a killer chorus that begs to “Party All Night!” Lead singer/songwriter John Wlaysewski does great things with beats and rhythm on “Yearbook Photo” and “Thanks For Your Time” while delivering a solid musical narrative and melodies that other bands (like Weezer) would envy.

The rising angst on “Dark Heart” is another big highlight. Olive’s vocals take over on the catchy “Common Enemy” and unlike most electro-pop, this is very accessible. A fine stream of reality comes through on “Missed Connections” as John describes his old neighborhood. Then check out the lovely layered harmonies on “Hollywood.” Once again, no real filler here as this album is a real grower that deserves multiple listens. Highly Recommended.

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Andy Reed

Andy Reed & Jason Reed “Make Your Move” EP

The talented Andy Reed teams up with his brother Jason to deliver this debut EP. “The Longest Pause” is a lonely mid tempo ballad that features some good harmonies and an emotional ending. The music isn’t quite the same style as Andy’s earlier solo work, but it’s still a compelling listen.

“Left to Right” is has angular melody with some nice guitar accents after each verse. “The Welcoming Song” and “Find My Way Back Home” both start out in a foggy haze, but the songs form fully after minute in, with some dramatic musical effects. The 80’s styled rocker “Make Your Move” closes things with Jason leading the vocal for this one. Overall a good start for the Reed brothers. Check it out.

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