Category: Power Pop Review

Budokan and Beyond Veronica

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Budokan “Spin A Little Gold”
This Canadian band from Victoria, B.C. has the loud fiery energy that is sure to make it a rookie-of-the-year as far as I’m concerned. Yes, the name and sound are indebted to Cheap Trick (as in Live From Budokan) and those strong, layered guitars ring true on the openers “The Queen’s English” and “You Don’t Stop Lovin’ The Band.”

You’ll hear some Stones influence mixed in there too (“The Right On Girl” and “Bastards of Feel”) and with a heavy 13 tracks, you get your money’s worth. Drink plenty of Red Bull with this one, cause it doesn’t slow down or get mushy. No clunkers, and I especially liked “Saint Joan” and “Kelly Green.” Not much else to say here, just listen…

CD Baby  | Amazon

Beyond Veronica “Hard Times For Dreamers”
Beyond Veronica follows the great tradition of female-fronted power pop and it’s essential listening for fans of Jana Peri, MaryKate O’Neil and Joan Jett. “If You Love Her” is a great start with vocalist Bonnie Veronica’s melodic croon reminding me of Grace Slick at times.

The band does a great job setting the table, and Bonnie hits it outta the park on the excellent “Secret Things” and you’ll hear more “bad-girl” narrative on “Taste Of The Same.” Kirk Larsens’ guitar work is the perfect compliment to Bonnie’s vocals, even for the jangle-filled ballad “My Friend.” Larsens’ awesome riffs poke out between the chorus of most tunes. The song composition and rhythms stick to the early 60’s for influence, imagine The Shangri-la’s and The Animals jamming together. Mostly it’s great, but a little more diversity would have prevented things from getting routine. Overall a welcome addition to your power pop collection.

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Kishi Bashi and Fallon Cush

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Kishi Bashi “151a”
Out of the tons of bands coming to SXSW this past year, Kishi Bashi made the best impression on me.  Bashi is a touring violinist for Of Montreal and Regina Spektor, and on his solo album he manages to spin both lush texture and joy in his orchestral arrangements.

The swirling violins of “Manchester” are just dazzling with elaborate harmonies and strings building to a loud crescendo. Next “Bright Whites” is another album highlight, with a Japanese language backing rhythm choral – it’s undeniably catchy too. The album travels into electro-pop world with hand claps on “It Began With A Burst” – kind of like The Beach Boys and The Beta Band partying with The Shins. The slower “Wonder Woman, Wonder Me” reminds me of Godley & Creme a bit and the clean harmonies in “Atticus, In The Desert” are also impressive. Fans of Arcade Fire, Yes, and Andrew Bird will love this.

Artist’s Website | Amazon

Fallon Cush “April”
The new Fallon Cush album marks a distinctive change in style. The first album flourished with power pop; April sticks mostly in the genre of Americana and Folk. The rootsy reflection of “Forever After” has varied orchestration and memorable guitar chorus. A bit like Jullian Lennon and Glenn Tilbrook, lead singer Steve Smith’s emotional plea in the melody of “Honey, Honey” resonates beautifully.

The tension is released on the weary “In The Nick Of Time” where the lyrics concentrate on saving a doomed relationship. But most impressive was the piano melody of “Where Your Name is Carved” – it recalls the best of Andrew Gold and Mike Viola and it’s my favorite here. Fans of Steely Dan and Bruce Hornsby will enjoy the compositions “Sight to Remember” and “Every Waking Hour” with its wonderful lyric and spot-on guitar melody. No filler here, and things pick up in tempo on “Renegade Blues” and a touch of Dylan is heard on “Frank & Margaret.” Overall, no sophomore slump here – a great LP from Smith that’s highly recommended.

CD Baby | Amazon

Bos Taurus “In The Sun”

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I was happy to introduce Bos Taurus a few years ago, finally after a long wait we get Steve Chesser’s follow-up, In The Sun. The sound and atmosphere has completely changed from the debut, and the songwriting reflects a much lighter pop sound, with REM styled jangle and Belle & Sebastian like intimacy.

“I’m Fine” slowly fades in and sets up a light summery vibe. On “Even Now” the jangling rhythm and harmony rain down with well placed guitar solos between each chorus. Some horns, piano and female backing vocals are added to the infectious “Just Like Lightning.” The same approach is taken with the catchy title track, and the sounds here start to remind me of Field Music. Some songs feel like they want to break the format, “Precious Pearls” is an example of the densely layered approach of two both styles (soft pop rhythm and rock guitar). In any case the overall results do make for a compelling listen. Occasionally the lack of hooks (“Household Of Your Soul”) and the repetitive tempos (“If”) make it a chore. But when Chesser is able to get his guitar at the forefront of a melody, like on the Joe Jackson-ish “Must Be The Light,” its pure magic. A great summer album arrived early, so check it out.

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The Lemon Clocks “Now Is The Time”

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The Lemon Clocks, a “power pop all-star” lineup comprising Jeremy Morris, Todd Borsch (The Ringles/The Gilligans), and Stefan Johansson (The Proper Electronic Company), divide this album up between jangle and psychedelic prog rock. So retro you will swear this is a long lost 60’s classic. The Rickenbacker riffs jump forward on the punchy “Garden Of Eden”and then on the 8 minute plus “Rainbow Bridge” its like a magical pairing of The Byrds and 13th Floor Elevators.

The trippy hippie mantras “Life Is LIke A Dream” and “The Bright Side” are great tracks among many here. The vocals get a bit lost in spots (“The Man Who Lost The Time”) but Jeremy’s in full McGuinn mode throughout the album. A great head trip for pop fans who want to go to a “Better World Beyond.” Even the sizzling guitar distortions on “Lemon Clock Land” give the old Pink Floyd a run for its money. Not a weak track anywhere and my top pick for psychedelic pop album this year – so tune in and turn on, man. Also recommended for fans of those neo-psyche bands like Olivia Tremor Control and Neural Milk Hotel.

Kool Kat Musik | Jam Recordings | Amazon
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Monday Freebies: The Tonighters, District Attorneys and The Counters

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The Tonighters “Photograph” EP
A while back I let you all sample the new band The Tonighters. Well, Billy Gilbert and his band got enough interest from this blog, so he decided to pass along a new EP. And yes it’s also a FREE download from bandcamp. Seriously the band sounds better than ever – thanks!

The District Attorneys “Basement Sessions” EP
Here’s another hidden gem, Drew Beskin and his band have been prepping a new album, and these are some of the sessions, including a cover of “Wrecking Ball” written by Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings.  It’s also a FREE download from Bandcamp.

The Counters “This Doesn’t Mean We’re Friends”
This is a good combination album with a little power pop, folk and country sprinkled throughout. The London, Ontario band is basically musician Rupert Heath and his friends. Power pop fans will enjoy “When You Come Around” and  “New Orleans,” and if you like a bit of country try “Death Won’t Slow Me Down” and “Cowboy Song.” It proves that you don’t need to be a one-trick-pony as a musician. And it’s “Name-your-own-price” on bandcamp as a digital download.