The Webstirs, Glad Machine, and Vanity Mirror

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“The

The Webstirs “High Up In The Trees”

Chicago indie-rock veterans The Webstirs return for a look at life ‘High Up in the Trees.’ The wry commentary on the randomness of life is the opening pop theme “Roulette,” with a simple beat, verse, hook, and it really sticks. The bounce and uptempo “Dancing in the Sky” features some great harmonies, and a big standout is the riches to rags tale “When It’s Gone.” The Motown-like rhythm has gravitas and its soft pop chorus is loaded with soul.

The Webstirs also benefit from their unique perspective and quirk to a gem like “The Guy For You.” It also has interesting jazzy pop diversions like “K Morely.” You don’t get any fancy gloss or complicated overproduction here, but genuine personality that comes through in the music. Overall, no filler and plenty of highlights including “Reached an Understanding” and the jovial “Thrown Away.” Highly Recommended.

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“The

The Glad Machine “All the Pretty Things”

The Glad Machine is back after its stellar turn from 2022’s ‘Hey’ and brings out another short but effective EP. “Collide” has a massive expansive rock sound, and feels like an a perfect arena rock introduction, that ends way too soon. “Back to You” recalls a bit of Green Day with its sugar rush of guitar chords during the chorus. Both “So High” and “Can We Still Fall In Love This Summer” have those Jellyfish-styled harmonies and an awesome vibe.

Not everything works, “Gravity Sunshine” and “Caroline” have all the right elements, but feel a little too familiar. The title track “All The Pretty Things” feels like an awesome Lenny Kravitz outtake, and “She Said” takes things in a different direction, as it is a 6-minute plus epic power ballad. Overall, more good stuff from the Glad Machine. Highly Recommended.

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“Vanity

Vanity Mirror “Super Fluff Forever”

I really loved the retro vibes of Vanity Mirror’s debut ‘PUFF’ and it was a natural to see a more overstuffed sophomore album. Starting with “White Butterfly” its a solid psyche pop single, with just enough to keep you hooked. The style still has elements of late 60’s and early 70’s pop techniques, but done to make something totally fresh. “The Apple Tree” and “Anna M” brings to mind Emitt Rhodes in the best way. The bespoke process and vintage instruments all enhance the strong songwriting here.

Other gems include the gentle DIY folk of “Mr. Watchmaker,” “Painted Blue,” “The Dooryard Gate,” and the fun Velvet Underground influenced rocker “Jack of all Trades.” While some tunes feel too short, overall this is a  great follow up, and it demands repeat listens. Highly Recommended.

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November Singles and more: The High Frequencies, The Photocopies, Reno Bo, The James Rocket, Carla Olson, Girl With A Hawk, GUV

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The High Frequencies have a world premiere video out now “Stratplastic” and like the debut album I just reviewed, it’s fantastic. Lisa Mychols is in her element here with catchy melodic guitar crunching goodness! You can read my review, but get this album! Next, The Photocopies are having an identity crisis with “We’re Not Photocopies” and the jangle is akin to The Ocean Blue, with a bit more cool fuzz. Next, Reno Bo is back, with an assist from Sadler Vaden on his new single “Undefeated.” A great example of a hard working Brooklyn band is The James Rocket. They have a new album (almost an EP) that deserves mention; check out the Kinks-like “Autumn” and “Penny.” Next a cool single collaboration between acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Carla Olson and Tall Poppy Syndrome, doing a Brenda Lee cover “Is It True.” Next the sweet voice of songwriter Linda Viens from Girl With A Hawk on the gratitude themed “I’m In Love With My Friends,” a mid-tempo gem with a singalong quality. Finally a preview of the new GUV album, here it’s “Warmer Than Gold,” a sound recalling those “Mad-chester” bands of the 90s. Enjoy the weekend! More goodies to come.





Dom Mariani and The High Frequencies

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Dom Mariani

Dom Mariani “Apple of Life”

Australian guitarist Dom Mariani is one of the most popular musicians down under, having fronted several legendary bands like The Stems, DM3, Datura4 and The Someloves. His second solo album takes all these influences and adds very lush orchestration to his latest effort ‘Apple of Life.’ Mariani opens with “Breakaway,” a majestic Phil Spector-ish melody loaded with harmonies, and then continues on the title track. With “Apple of Life” he uses a strong rhythm, as it shimmers with those irresistible hooks. Songs opine on global anxiety with “World on Its Head” and “Sad State of Affairs.” Eventually things slow down with country-styled “Where Do Lovers Go?” adding a slide guitar flourish. This approach is also on “Take it All Back.” The melodies on the second half of the album vary stylistically from heavier rockers (“Breaking Point”) to sunny love songs (“Oh Angeline,”) and are performed with meticulous craftsmanship. Overall a highly recommended album.

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“The

The High Frequencies “The High Frequencies”

The High Frequencies is Lisa Mychols’ latest vehicle, and it fits her like a custom-tailored suit. Joined by Tom Richards, Scott Richards, and Ricky Tubb, she dives straight into high-voltage power pop with “Tonight and Every Night” and “Nothing Really Stays the Same”—both immediate, hook-loaded ear-grabbers.“See You Again” channels the punk-pop spark that made The Masticators so beloved, and the rest of the album shifts effortlessly between garage grit and new wave gloss. It’s the ideal setup for Mychols: no stylistic boxes, just a band agile enough to follow her melodic instincts wherever they lead.There’s zero filler, and the closer, “Nexus Star,” is a stunner. This is easily a contender for the year-end top ten.

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Humbug, Trolley, and Parent Teacher

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Humbug

Humbug “Open Season”

Los Angeles quartet, Humbug, is Alex Cubillos (Lead Guitar), Ryan Bouimad (Bass), Aidan Cole (Rhythm Guitar) and Ardem Gourdikian (Drums). A solid opener with the indie rocker “Open Season,” and Aidan Cole’s vocal has an earnest quality similar to Ray Davies here. “Quit With Suzy” and “Barbara Says” continues the anxiety fueled observations with a great hooks.

Cubillos’ arrangements are compact and personal here, especially the ballad “I Know the Story.” At times, a Weezer-like burst of energy comes out like on “Nina” and “Galaga,” and these are super enjoyable to listen to. Overall, Open Season, bursts through the noise with gritty authenticity and an infectious energy that commands attention. Highly recommended, and it’s a rare Bancamp freebie (while it lasts)! Don’t miss it!

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Trolley

Trolley “A Carnival Of Grey & White”

Milwaukee’s long-running power-pop band Trolley release A Carnival of Grey and White, their fifth full-length—and it retains the band’s trademark blend of psych-tinted jangle, punchy Mod-era pop, but there’s a deeper emotional undercurrent this time. Midway through making the album, guitarist/vocalist/producer Mike Perotto passed away, a loss that could’ve scrapped the project entirely.

Instead, Paul J. Wall and Terry Hackbarth pushed forward, layering Mike’s songs with a sense of purpose that sharpens the band’s already urgent sound. The opening title track crackles with vibrant energy, and the following songs contain all the ingredients that made Trolley a vibrant band. All three band members are featured vocally, their performance carries a reflective edge on “Father Time (Will Take)” and the mid-tempo “Starlight.” Overall, an album that deserves to be heard.

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“Parent

Parent Teacher “Doombloomer”

NYC’s self-proclaimed pigeon-whisperer Parent Teacher delivers a lo-fi bedroom-pop set that should land well with fans of Mo Troper and anyone who appreciates DIY pop with some rough edges. The album opens on “Wild Emotion,” it’s understated vocals, fuzz-smeared guitars, everything barely hanging together—until it finally snaps to life with the excellent “Fire Door.” That track rides a chugging drum pulse and stacked harmonies that cut through the haze and show exactly what Parent Teacher is capable of when the hooks hit.

“Stepping Stone” is another keeper, a slow-burn mood piece that gradually piles on layers until it feels like the room is vibrating around you. The same immersive build shows up in “Hysterica,” where the grungier textures give the album some welcome bite. Not every choice lands, yet there’s real charm in the grit and the gloom. Check it out.