Kurt Baker “Rock N Roll Club”
Kurt Baker is back, and he’s got a badass leather jacket and sneering toughness on the opener, “Hittin’ Rock Bottom,” with its hard-hitting riffs and standout chorus similar to Oasis. Kurt’s emphasis is on the “power” here and less on the pop. The title track and the power ballad “She Don’t Wanna Be Alone” are closer to the traditional Kurt Baker sound, both impressively written songs.
From there it mines influences from the ’80s, as “Love Express” seems to go all synth dance club, similar to The Orion Experience, and “Good Feeling” has a similar vibe. Then “Bright Blue Sky” goes back to those heavy bass riffs and an arena anthem. Even with the heavier production, you can’t dilute Kurt’s solid hooks; “Missed Connection” is another catchy guitar/synth gem. Produced and mixed with the talented help of Wyatt Funderburk, he helps keep Kurt on track. This is the strongest Kurt Baker album in a long time; almost everything here sticks! Highly recommended and nominated for my year-end top ten list. Don’t miss it!
Somerdale “Let’s Get Started”
It’s been 7 years, but we finally have a good follow-up to Shake It Maggie. New Jersey power pop phenoms are back on the Kool Kat label. “Let’s Get Started” is a winning opener, as they rock a Who meets Cheap Trick-inspired sound that hasn’t aged a bit. “Come Enjoy” is a simple party theme, but it works just fine. While “Crooked Road” is a more traditional rocker, the chorus brings it together. “Missing You” has all the right elements but feels repetitive, much better is the ballad “Lulu,” a solid example of a great rock vocal setting the mood.
“Good Enough” and “Better Without Her” are consistent melodic rock with some nice musical hooks thrown in, as “Taking You Back” feels inspired by The Sweet. While nothing here is too deep, the music is wonderfully performed and keeps Somerdale in the mix of your power pop playlist. Highly Recommended.
