Category: Power Pop Review

Small Yards and Tomas Nillson

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Small Yards “Small Yards”

Seattle’s Small Yards creates a style that straddles the boundaries of post-punk, garage rock, and power pop. The new self-titled album demands some attention with its opener “Heartache,” with a garage rhythm and a multi-lead vocal by Jenn Miller that sticks with you. Then “Realize” has continues the fun, with more of bar room jam. Quick songs like “Downtown” and “Shake Me Loose” recall The Ramones with its tight guitar and drum interplay, it’s also very catchy.

The band is very consistent, and the combination of male and female vocals will please fans of The Muffs and other similar bands, “She Comes” is another big highlight with great vocal harmonies. The guitar work is also memorable, check out the riffs on “So Far Way” and the power pop gem “Strawberry Summer.” Overall its a little too short, but their is no filler here either. Highly recommended. 

Amazon

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Tomas Nilsson “Inside My Universe”

Tomas Nilsson (The Mop Tops, ANC4) is a songwriter, singer and guitarist from Sweden. Tomas wrote all of the songs and sings lead while he is assisted by Janne Borgh on bass, acoustic guitars and backing vocals, Niclas Österberg on drums and Lisa Sydhagen on backing vocals and keyboards. Overall, this is fine jangle pop with the opener “Oh What A Shame” sounding very much like a Byrds outtake. The reverb is heavier on the Tom Pettyesque “Guess I’m In Love Again” and “Tired of Being Tired” with a solid hook here.

Tomas has an older sounding vocal that suites these blues influenced songs best. Higher energy singles like “Wonder Girl” benefit from the addition of a female vocals in the chorus. And it really helps on songs where Lisa is out front more like the dense melody of  “Inside My Universe.” The songwriting is a bit uneven, but it includes great standouts like “Stupid Friends” and “Give It All I Got.” Uninspired “Desert Island Holiday” and “I’m Lost In Her Eyes” are a bit ho-hum. Despite this, fans of jangling Rickenbacker guitars and Tomas’ other bands will enjoy it for sure. It’s music that deserves to be heard.

Kool Kat Musik

May Singles: My Mom is Here, Airport 77s, Sucker for a Pretty Face, Catherine Campbell, Super 8, Alex Lehey, Scarlet Sometimes

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Time marches on and so do we. We start with a quirky fun video from a new band, My Mom is Here — as they beam down to Earth on a mission of cosmic vengeance. EP is expected in August. Also coming up one of the best power pop bands is back, The Airport 77s recalls “1999 (Take Me Back)” a rocking tune that opens the new LP ‘Don’t Let Go,’ expected the end of this month. Another great new sound is from Sucker For A Pretty Face, and I definitely want to hear more. On a reflective note, Catherine Campbell does a low key cover of Brian Wilson’s “In My Room.” Then Super 8 gets all hippy dippy with “Get on The Bus.” Is it related to the Who’s “Magic Bus”? Well, it’s a little more funky, that’s for sure! Alex Lehey is an great little catchy freebie, worthy of your attention. We close out with another new band, Scarlet Sometimes gives us some “Cold Blood” and its got a 60’s pop vibe I really enjoy. Keep it up!






Eureka Machines and The Spindles

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Eureka Machines

Eureka Machines “Everything”

Chris Catalyst (guitarist for The Sisters Of Mercy and Ginger/The Wildhearts) founded Eureka Machines in 2007. Although he has been quite prolific on Bandcamp with solo work, his band Eureka Machines has been improving with every record. It’s not hyperbole to say their sixth LP is the best album to date.

Just listening to the opener “Everything,” he packs every hook into this dense song, and the 4 minutes fly by quickly. The band includes Wayne Insane (BIG drums), Pete Human (bass), and Davros(guitar) and they keep the sound consistent here. The layered guitars lead the way, “Back in The Back of Beyond” and “Black and White” are both excellent follow ups that keep you engaged. The song structure tips into heavier rock on “If I’m Gonna Fight Myself,  I’ll Never Win” and “Nature and Nurture.” Things calm a bit with the slower strums of “Home,” but it’s a breather and then we’re back to melodic rock. Added highlights include “The Great Indoors” and the epic closer “Beautiful Day.” Chris deserves praise for his ability to write catchy songs that hold your interest even after six minutes. Highly recommended. 

Eureka Machines site


The Spindles

The Spindles “Wavelength”

Chicago-based power pop rock quartet led by Jeff Janulis follows up the successful ‘Past and Present’ album from 2019. Wavelength features guest appearances by Brad, Graham, and Rob from The Elvis Brothers, and Bill Corston from Jay & The Americans.“Getaway” is a great catchy opener, with a terrific solo guitar break. The band covers The Hollies “Bus Stop” and several Elvis Brothers tunes, and it fits in well with their originals.

“Rock Boy” is the perfect description of today’s veteran musician as a “part-time worker, but a lifetime rocker.” And these guys really can rock your socks off. Lots of call outs to the 70s-era bikers with “Ride My Bike” and the fun “he said/she said” story of “Two Sides to Every Story” adds a Nick Lowe-ish hook in the chorus. No filler here, so enjoy! Highly recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

April Showers: Corin Ashley, Chris Stamey, The Lemon Twigs, Geoff Palmer, Rocket Rules, Crossword Smiles, The Supernaturals

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A massive amount of quality music is coming out now: Firstly, check out the return of Corin Ashley with “Empathy Centre,” with it’s guitar crunch and free wheeling lyric, “The Commandant of kindness would like a word with you…” Next the biggest surprise; a super team up of Chris Stamey and The Lemon Twigs doing a gorgeous Beach Boys styled ballad, and the album is expected this summer. Geoff Palmer returns with his punk pop perfection on ‘Kodak Flash’. Each song here is a winner! Next, this month’s freebie is the dense, lush dream pop of Rocket Rules. Give it a listen with headphones. Another new gem is Crossword Smiles latest “Falling All Over Myself” and the consistently good band The Supernaturals with a new pair of tunes destined for the upcoming album “Show Tunes.” Enjoy the sun, popaholics!




Off-the-beaten-path: Alwyn Morrison

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Alwyn Morrison “Chained”

I don’t have too much info on New York native Alwyn Morrison, but he’s got three songs to his credit so far. His latest is “Chained” written by Alwyn and co-writer Michael Ales, and its an emotional ballad that caught my ear. It’s a complex story about wanting to leave a stale relationship, but fearing the unknown. He feels trapped like a prisoner, or metaphorically “chained to a dark room every night and day.”

The song is an introspective plea for assistance, and Alwyn is able to convey it with his controlled vocal delivery and strong guitar strumming. The chorus is straightforward and appealing, and the middle eight provides us a beautiful key change as well as some “ooh, ooh” backing vocals. Overall this is some solid pop balladry, and the production here sounds very professional as well. Check out Alwyn’s other songs “The City” and “Lenox Hill” for more melodic adult pop. I look forward to a full album at some point. Learn More and visit his Linktree