Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

July 4th Musical Goodies! Hurry, Popboomerang, Telematch, Orchidelia, Trash Man

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Happy 250th Birthday, USA. So let’s get some great music to celebrate. Philadelphia band Hurry has a new LP that breaks next week, and we’ve got the video for “Moving After You” featuring Gerard Love (Teenage Fanclub). A great song, and check out more prior to release. Next, the 4th compilation of Aussie artists with “Shake Yer Popboomerang” with awesome singles from Hexham Heads, Icecream Hands, The Valery Trails, and many more. 22 tracks of sugar powered gems curated by Scott Thurling is a guaranteed good time. Next up, a freebie from Madrid with Telematch. Heavy guitar crunch and fast tempo is the name of the game on “Stump” and “We Are Here” and they skillfully get your attention.

A lot of artists on Bandcamp release music year after year, often with little sign of growth or artistic evolution. Then there are the few who keep refining their songwriting, performances, and production. Those are the artists who always grab my attention. Orchidelia is a great example of this, self described as “Sheffield’s most happening power-pop quintet.” Gradually they develop and ‘Sundial’ shows a solid balance between melody and attitude, check out “Forget Me Not.” Another example is Trash Man. Alex Mojaverian (aka Trash Man) has been toiling away on songs of existential dread and emotional coping with a style akin to early Weezer. Alex has really sharpened his songwriting on this new EP and each song is a gem. Listen and you will find treasure in this “trash!” Enjoy.

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Log Flume and Belfast

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“Log

Log Flume “Go Where The Money Goes”

Log Flume opens ‘Go Where The Money Goes’ with the youthful energy of “Dynamic” and “Far From You,” a rush of buzzing guitars, handclaps, and irresistible melody. It grabs your attention immediately, but the album’s biggest strength reveals itself over time. As the songs unfold, the band settles into a more confident, mature sound without sacrificing the urgency that made them so appealing in the first place.

“Necessary Evil” brings to mind the melodic warmth of Teenage Fanclub, while “Got This Feeling” sparkles with jangling guitars and perfectly placed female backing vocals. “Up By 9 O’Clock” stands out as one of the album’s highlights, built around an infectious riff and a chorus that sticks after the first listen. The title track, “Go Where The Money Goes,” rides a bright, ringing guitar sound that perfectly complements its hook. The jangling “Get The Picture” is another standout, packed with hooks and rewarding repeat listens, while “Every Single Day” closes things on a more reflective note, pairing a moody lyric about songwriting that recalls classic Weezer. Log Flume has found an impressive balance between youthful intensity and seasoned songwriting, and enough variety to reward astute listeners. Highly recommended.

Amazon


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Belfast

Belfast “Belfast”

Inspired by the late 1970s DIY noise pop celebrated on the Powerpearls compilations, Belfast delivers a scrappy, hook-filled debut that’s easy to embrace. The project is the work of Joe Quine (Pist Idiots) who wrote and recorded these songs in his Sydney bedroom, giving the album an authentic, homemade spirit. The songs reflect life’s ups and downs, and the opener “Forms From My Dreams” makes the strongest first impression, pairing infectious punk attitude with buzzing guitar riffs that immediately grab your attention. “Spoonful of Your Love” follows with rough-hewn percussion and a ragged melody that feels effortlessly charming.

There are echoes of The Clash, The Saints, and The Velvet Underground throughout, with sharp hooks hiding beneath the distorted guitars, gruff vocals, and loose production. The middle of the album becomes a little repetitive, but the momentum returns with the urgent “Kissing On The Mezzanine” and the layered vocal textures of “You Are Tonight.” This isn’t a polished record, and it isn’t trying to be. Its rough edges are part of the appeal. If you appreciate raw, heartfelt punk pop then this is for you.

Bandcamp


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Power Popaholic Interview: Chris Stamey

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Chis Stamey (3rd Interview)

Chris Stamey returns to Powerpopaholic for his third appearance! Known for his groundbreaking work with The dB’s and a career that has spanned decades as a songwriter, producer, arranger, and recording artist, Chris joins us to discuss his outstanding new album, “Modernism.” Lots of cover songs, but not a typical “covers” album. This was Chris having fun in the studio. Check out the album review here.

The Rallies and Hypnolovewheel

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The Rallies

The Rallies “No Better Time”

Seattle’s The Rallies deliver an effortlessly melodic sound that balances warmth and energy without it feeling too lightweight. Opening track “This Time” is packed with hooks and instantly memorable, while “I Believe” builds on that momentum with an uplifting message and added guitar punch. The band’s sound recalls the melodic craftsmanship of Squeeze, The La’s, and even a touch of Deadeye Dick. “Comes and Goes” is a great example; a slow building simple verse that leads to an irresistible “la la la” chorus.

Produced by Johnny Sangster at Crackle & Pop, the album showcases a cohesive performance from Steve Davis, Lee Brown, Ben Heege, and Brian Chase.  The album’s second half leans into its ’60s-inspired jangle, with the rich harmonies of “Love” and the Monkees-inspired “You Set Me Free.” Additional highlights include the minor-key gem “Be With You” and the self-assured “Not So Much Anymore.” The Rallies never stray far from a strong melody, and this one is highly recommended.

Amazon


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Hypnolovewheel

Hypnolovewheel “Parallel Universe”

Ahead of their time, Hypnolovewheel spent the late ’80s and early ’90s crafting a distinctive blend of garage rock, noise pop, post-punk, and psychedelia. Featuring guitarists Steve Hunking and Dave Ramirez, bassist Dan Cuddy, and drummer Peter Walsh, the band occupied a space somewhere between The Pixies and The Presidents of the United States of America. Despite releasing several excellent albums, they never received the wider recognition they deserved. The new compilation, ‘Parallel Universe,’ makes a strong case for rediscovery.

Across 22 tracks, power pop fans will find plenty to enjoy. The jangly, melodic “Bridget Because” balances perfectly against the fuzzed-out guitars of “Peace of Mind.” Short, hook-filled songs are scattered throughout the collection, with shades of early R.E.M., Talking Heads, and Hüsker Dü woven into the band’s sound. While a few tracks show their age, standouts like “Pleasant Valley,” “Here Comes a Headache,” “What’s Going On,” “Embarrassment,” and “Secret Star” remain as compelling as ever. For newcomers, Parallel Universe serves as an ideal introduction to one of alternative rock’s overlooked treasures. Highly recommended.

Amazon

More June gems: Scott Gagner, The Amplifier Heads, Bramwell, Little Gold, Barry Walsh, The 286

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Scott Gagner is back with a serious “Sugar Rush.” His upcoming album ‘Sweet Tooth’ leans harder into pure pop than his previous work, and the first taste is irresistible.

Next up, The Amplifier Heads are ready to turn up the volume. Led by Boston power pop veteran Sal Baglio, the band delivers a crunchy preview of their forthcoming album that reminds you why rock and roll still matters.

UK outfit Bramwell channels the golden age of British AM radio on the excellent “Standing on Stones,” blending timeless melodies with sharp songwriting.

Little Gold offers another standout preview from its upcoming LP, mixing power pop hooks with a warm, lo-fi country spirit.

From Ireland, former Fireflys frontman Barry Walsh returns with the infectious new single “Star Ride,” packed with melody and charm.

Closing things out, The 286 delivers an EP worth your attention. Drawing inspiration from Jeff Lynne’s melodic style, the collection mixes strong covers with standout originals like “Midnight Symphony” and “Unbreakable.”