Category: Top Ten of 2025

The Toxhards and The Humbugs

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The Toxhards

The Toxhards “Your Neighborhood”

Sometimes, the components are greater than the whole. The Toxhards, a LA garage rock band, have a concept LP that doesn’t tell much of a story. However, the band’s unwavering dedication to superb pop and rock is evident here. The band’s wacky theatrical image is compelling, akin to a circus opera at a heavy metal festival, they sound influenced by Pink Floyd, Queen, Tally Hall, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. They’ve already made an impression locally, with a sizable TikTok and Instagram following, so their debut album definitely raises the bar.

The intros are effective in establishing a mood but run a bit too long; then we get the first song, strums of “Beatrice,” a gentle rocker that amps up quickly to heavy Foo Fighter-like riffs. It’s a fun, wild ride to its loud crescendo. Then it dials back dramatically to the quiet title track “Your Neighborhood,” which recall a Roger Waters inner monologue. Then we get “Get Creative! Or Get Radicalized!” with Queen-like harmonies and boisterous chorus, and it’s simply great from the melodic croon to the screaming “Na, na, na, na!” Another gentle gem is “Apple TV” with handclaps and hooks sticking in your head on that chorus.

But the album’s highlight is “DIE! DIE! DIE.” The song begins with a funky rhythm and bass line, and the lead singing, “Don’t you love the feeling when a song comes on the radio, and it sounds like they wrote it for you?” Next, “Satan’s Little Hell Song” is reminiscent of Queen’s “Stone Cold Crazy” in a frenzy. Overall, a thrilling set of tunes, the most schizophrenic rock album I’ve heard in a while. Highly recommended and a top ten contender. Thanks to my brother, Dan, for finding this one.

Amazon


The Humbugs

The Humbugs “AM Operetta”

Veteran Minneapolis band The Humbugs are Adam Marshall (guitar, lead), Tim Formanek (bass), and Matt Baccoli (drums), with an assist from Kristin Marshall and Mike Senkovich. Some nice power pop and a few folk tunes here, many pulled from Adam’s songwriting archives in a homage to the many different styles of music that was being played on AM radio in the 1970s. However nothing here sounds like it came directly from that era, it’s all original music.

The opener “Be Careful What You Wish For” is a solid start, with lots of jangle and a nicely constructed, distinct verse. The catchy “Take Out The Trash” is my favorite here, with great hooks and harmonies. The styles vary from here, Kristin’s lovely vocal leads on the pensive “Further From Yesterday” and “Never Noticed Me.” Highlights include “Tearing Me Up” and the bouncy ender “Doing Something Right.” Overall, a really good album with minimal overindulgences. Technically released last year, but the band recently posted their catalog on Bandcamp (also worth checking out.) Highly recommended.

Amazon

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

OK Go and The Bablers

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“OK

OK Go “And the Adjacent Possible”

OK Go has always been at that rare intersection of indie rock musical innovation and commercial success. The new album while it adds more electronica and other modern tropes, can still claim to be at its heart a well made pop album. “Impulse Purchase” oozes cold cool with its deep buzzing bass beat, and Damian Kulash’s unique vocal.

On the lovely melody for “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill,” he laments “it’ll all be all right” and “it’ll all be just fine,” but fails to convince us. Much better is “A Good Good Day At Last” which has plenty of Prince-like funk, and on the bouncy “Take Me With You” he embraces his inner Bowie. The album’s center piece is “Love,” a swirling gem with strong harmonies, angular guitar riffs and an unmistakable arrangement. The soulful “Going Home” and wistful closer “Don’t Give Up Now” offers a mellowness that contrasts with most of the album, and the finale feels like an acceptance of present tragic events and a warm hug.  Definitely highly recommended. 

Amazon


The Bablers

The Bablers “Like The First Time”

If you want to make a name in power pop, go big or go home.  Finland’s The Bablers were promoting singles in the US since their Beatlesque debut ‘What’s All About’ in 1980 (a long sought after gem,) but most of the release action took place in Finland, until 2022’s highly recommended ‘Psychadilly Circus’ came out. The group is led by Arto Tamminen (guitars, vocals) with Janne Haavisto (drums), Pekka Gröhn (bass, keys) and Hannu Pikkarainen (guitars). The band has continued to tease with it’s singles, but now the proper follow up to their debut (previously only available in Finland or Japan) has arrived. And it’s big, as it was remastered and new tracks added as well.

The opener “You are The One for Me” has all the hallmarks of excellent power pop, as the music is both catchy and timeless. Those Beatlesque guitar chords are also back with “One of Those Dreams” and “Thinking of You,” and these gems could give the Spongetones a run for its money. But the band doesn’t hold back on romantic themes like “Holding Me Tonight,” and the ELO-ish “Sometimes.” The melodies are easy going and the sentiment is genuine, as opposed to sappy. (although “Together Forever” comes close). The second half is almost as good as the first, but with longer pop epics, for example “Like The First Time” and “In This World.” Additional highlights include the jangling “Here I Come,” and the finely orchestrated strings and woodwinds on the baroque “Where the Wind Blows Free.” Overall, a great album that’s long overdue here. Highly Recommended and a contender for top ten album of 2025.

Amazon | Big Stir Records

Peter Baldrachi and Ricky Byrd

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“Peter

Peter Baldrachi “Nothing’s Promised” EP

Peter Baldrachi is back after over a year with a new EP that collects recent singles and a few new tracks as well. Opening with “Hard To Believe,” it’s got a strong riff leading the way, some nice harmonies and a sweet solo break with a touch of blues pop. The honky tonk country beat of “Busted, Sad, Lonely, and Blue” is another winner, with juicy slide guitar accents. The energetic and catchy tunes contrast with the sad lyric. Most of the music here follows a weary confessional heartbreak, songs like “Go It Alone” and “Wearing My Heart Around” are perfect examples.

But power pop does poke it’s head out with “Sometimes I Gotta Get Away,” a really catchy song akin to Tommy Keene, and the jangling pop finale “Tomorrow” with a little optimism, and a layered guitar rhythm, with all the bells and whistles reminding me of Lindsey Buckingham in places. The production is clean and crisp, and this is definitely highly recommended. 

Bandcamp


“Ricky

Ricky Byrd “NYC Made”

Ricky Byrd is a rock and roll Hall of Fame Inductee with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and self described recovery troubadour. Byrd has performed, recorded or toured with countless rock legends, and released five solo albums. So finally discovering him will be a revelation to many. Fans of  The Sorrows Arthur Alexander or Willie Nile will find a lot of common biographical and geographical themes with Ricky’s latest ‘NYC Made.’ Byrd started his life in a power pop band Susan in 1979, so his skill and experience with power riffs are unmatched.

The songs are fantastic, opening with “(Ya Get) 1 Life.” It’s a catchy YOLO theme and it gets better from there. “Glamdemic Blues” has echos of the past but some great harmonies, and a solid narrative. “Rhapsody In Blues” is a tribute to the late Jeff Beck, and is a showcase for Byrd’s skills. Like listening to a personal history of growing up in NYC with “Sweet Byrd of Youte,”  “Then Along Comes You,” and “Transistor Radio Childhood” it’s more than a nostalgic look back. It’s damn great melodies and a celebration of a life well lived. And let’s not forget the riffs that are stickier than bubble gum, like on “Louanne.” It may be “geezer” rock, but it’s one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. Super highly recommended.

Amazon

Nick Frater and Brad Marino

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Nick Frater

Nick Frater “Oh Contraire!”

Nick Frater returns with ‘Oh Contraire’, a stunning power pop achievement that cements his place among the genre’s best. Although Frater has consistently produced memorable hooks and harmonies, his daring arrangements this time broaden his overall style. Many highlights here, the best being “I Know You Know I Know,” a memorable single with glam rock-inspired riffs and along with “One Minute” and “My Heart’s in Stereo,” it echoes Jeff Lynne’s signature production style. And when he wants to create a grand epic sound it’s no issue with “Songs For The One-Eyed City” loaded with descending guitar riffs, bells, echoing harmonies and a heavy rhythm section. Frater seamlessly blending his influences without losing his own distinct voice.

Another big highlight is “Dreaming of a Wonderland” which sounds like a lost 10cc single to me.  The mellow 1970s-inspired lounge pop of “Seraphim Called” and “Steal Away” are also refreshingly familiar, while the piano closer “Goodnight, Goodbye” is a McCartney-esque gem. Oh Contraire boasts a star-studded guest list, including Probyn Gregory, Michael Simmons, Cary Grace, and Texas power pop duo Lannie Flowers and Danny Wilkerson. Their contributions enhance an already great record, proving Frater’s ability to bring out the best in his collaborators. Without a note of filler, this one is a contender for my top ten of 2025. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


“Brad

Brad Marino “On The Brink”

Brad Marino’s latest release is a collection of 19 rarities, remixes, and unreleased tracks, carefully curated, remixed, and remastered. Known for his consistent output of high-energy rock, Marino unearthed a treasure trove of songs that showcase his signature blend of classic rock, and punk influences. ‘On The Brink’ leans more towards early rock and roll as a template, not that far from his old band The Connection.

If you’ve never heard Marino before, this is a great “instant” record collection. I love the re-made “Peggy Sue Got Married,” a shout out to Buddy Holly. Marino’s variety is on display too, from the mid tempo “Not Fooling Me” to the Ramones inspired “Hamburger U.” Included is the standout single duet “Over My Head” with Natalie Sweet. Overall a fun collection. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik