Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Short Takes: Cheap Trick, Sharp Pins, The Manic Standstill, Rome 56

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“Cheap

Cheap Trick “All Washed Up”

This review will be easy, because if you didn’t like Cheap Trick you wouldn’t be reading this blog. Tom Petersson and Daxx Nielsen’s rhythm section is rock solid, Rick Nielsen is still can belt out a distinctive riff, and Robin Zander possesses the same blend of nuanced sensitivity and loud energy that has been part of the band’s defining style throughout their long history. For the uninitiated, Cheap Trick remains an unapologetic power pop institution, so pick this LP up and enjoy the big harmonies, layers of glistening guitars and big hooks. Highly Recommended (what else?)

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“The

Sharp Pins “Balloon Balloon Balloon”

Chicago Wunderkind Kai Slater is on his third album already, and each one shows tremendous growth. Leaning on various influences from garage-era bubblegum to Robert Pollard, it boasts a massive amount of brilliant songwriting. Taking on the DIY bedroom pop approach, the hooks are great here on the opener “Popafangout” and the lost-Beatles gem “I Don’t Have The Heart.” Most of the long 21-track list hits the mark and remind me that The Lemon Twigs are not the only band that can mine the past to create future gems. Despite the obscuring production and layered fuzz lots of standouts like “(I Wanna) Be Your Girl,” “Gonna Learn To Crawl,” and “Talking in Your Sleep.” Highly Recommended, and makes my top ten list.

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“The

The Manic Standstill “Moving”

Los Angeles-based band The Manic Standstill hit the ground running with the solid rocker “Reasons Why” (great video too!) and boasts contributions from members of The Aquabats, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Dollyrots, The Screamers, and more. Its a blend of Punk Pop and Hard Rock influences, its high energy approach works on several tracks like “Oh Francisco,” “Trying Too Hard,” and “Girlfriend Island.” The harmonies and musicianship are excellent overall. Fans of Green Day and Extreme will really enjoy this.

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“Rome

Rome 56 “Pony Tales”

Arthur Lamonica (The Shirts) continues to dazzle as rock’s elder statesman with Rome 56. “One Way Ticket” is a compelling start, the band is both melodic and easy going on “Ladder of Love,” and comparable to prime Elvis Costello. Highlights include the catchy “In The City,” “Shut Down Town,” and “Sam The Delivery Man.” You’ll appreciate these songs far more if you immerse yourself in them. The album is definitely a grower rather than an instant hit.

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Early Christmas in December: The Lemon Twigs and much more!

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Well, that time of year is coming closer.

The winds are getting colder. And I’m almost another year older. So let’s open up the presents early. Firstly, The Lemon Twigs are always a great stocking stuffer with the new singles “I’ve Got A Broken Heart” and the garage rocker “Friday (I’m Gonna Love You)” full of joyous “na na nas.” Next, a very child-like response to a Scrooge by The Hilken and Melissa Band with acclaimed singer Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) on “What’s So Bad About Christmas” and the garage rock of Boston’s premier all-female rock cover band, The Other Girls singing “I’m Not Getting Anything for Christmas.” Both are great new Xmas originals!

The Supernaturals are on their third Christmas EP, the keeper here is “I Won’t Let You Down This Xmas.” But for some anthemic Xmas pop punk, check out Greg Antista and the Lonely Streets. Another treat is The Krayolas, and Beach Boys fans will love “Giddy-up Santa.” Perfecto! But for the pissed off among us, Geoff Palmer delivers his Xmas sneer with “Merry Christmas I Fucked Your Snowman.” But I couldn’t end this with such piss and vinegar. So take a deep breath, and listen to the excellence of Music City’s “Only Home For Christmas.” And the best gift is the band has a new LP cooking for 2026.

 

The Webstirs, Glad Machine, and Vanity Mirror

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“The

The Webstirs “High Up In The Trees”

Chicago indie-rock veterans The Webstirs return for a look at life ‘High Up in the Trees.’ The wry commentary on the randomness of life is the opening pop theme “Roulette,” with a simple beat, verse, hook, and it really sticks. The bounce and uptempo “Dancing in the Sky” features some great harmonies, and a big standout is the riches to rags tale “When It’s Gone.” The Motown-like rhythm has gravitas and its soft pop chorus is loaded with soul.

The Webstirs also benefit from their unique perspective and quirk to a gem like “The Guy For You.” It also has interesting jazzy pop diversions like “K Morely.” You don’t get any fancy gloss or complicated overproduction here, but genuine personality that comes through in the music. Overall, no filler and plenty of highlights including “Reached an Understanding” and the jovial “Thrown Away.” Highly Recommended.

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“The

The Glad Machine “All the Pretty Things”

The Glad Machine is back after its stellar turn from 2022’s ‘Hey’ and brings out another short but effective EP. “Collide” has a massive expansive rock sound, and feels like an a perfect arena rock introduction, that ends way too soon. “Back to You” recalls a bit of Green Day with its sugar rush of guitar chords during the chorus. Both “So High” and “Can We Still Fall In Love This Summer” have those Jellyfish-styled harmonies and an awesome vibe.

Not everything works, “Gravity Sunshine” and “Caroline” have all the right elements, but feel a little too familiar. The title track “All The Pretty Things” feels like an awesome Lenny Kravitz outtake, and “She Said” takes things in a different direction, as it is a 6-minute plus epic power ballad. Overall, more good stuff from the Glad Machine. Highly Recommended.

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“Vanity

Vanity Mirror “Super Fluff Forever”

I really loved the retro vibes of Vanity Mirror’s debut ‘PUFF’ and it was a natural to see a more overstuffed sophomore album. Starting with “White Butterfly” its a solid psyche pop single, with just enough to keep you hooked. The style still has elements of late 60’s and early 70’s pop techniques, but done to make something totally fresh. “The Apple Tree” and “Anna M” brings to mind Emitt Rhodes in the best way. The bespoke process and vintage instruments all enhance the strong songwriting here.

Other gems include the gentle DIY folk of “Mr. Watchmaker,” “Painted Blue,” “The Dooryard Gate,” and the fun Velvet Underground influenced rocker “Jack of all Trades.” While some tunes feel too short, overall this is a  great follow up, and it demands repeat listens. Highly Recommended.

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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!

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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.

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“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.

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