The Lolas and Peppermint Kicks
The Lolas “Big Hits and Freak Disasters”
This is not a greatest hits compilation. Tim Boykin, the brains behind The Lolas has been releasing multiple digital-only singles since 2021, and now we get it all together in one beautiful package. Boykin never fails to deliver, whether he’s channeling psychedelic pop, British Invasion, jangle pop, or bubblegum hooks.
The album’s opening track, “Work is the Blackmail of Survival,” is very much like a jangling Byrds tune with great harmonies in the sunny chorus. “Shut Me Down” is pure West Coast bubblegum pop bliss, and “Call Your Name” is a dense guitar attack with a garage vibe. “Trick Myself” is very much like an early Who single, and when it comes to the ideal jangle of ’80s college rock, “From the Start” is spot on. As a singles collection, it varies in style from the mellow “I Wish You A Happy Journey” to the new wave synths meets guitars on “Down We Go.” With songs like these, Tim Boykin reminds us why The Lolas are one of the most reliable—and under appreciated—names in power pop.
Let’s also give props to Kool Kat Musik, which is still putting out tangible power pop CDs in the digital age, supporting musicians like Boykin and keeping the scene alive for both fans and collectors. Highly Recommended and makes my top ten album list for 2025.
The Peppermint Kicks “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum”
The great Sal Baglio and Dan Kopko combine their talents with a variety of drummers to create The Peppermint Kicks 2nd album, and it leads to an explosive, heavy punk-pop. “Radio Wham Bam Boom” is a great glam radio show theme song that sets the stage. “Too Sweet” is a great Cheap Trick meets bubblegum track with a kick-ass strutting riff. The garage-rocking “Little Doll (Picolla Pupa)” harkens back to the best of British pop from the 1960s.
Many tunes here follow that template and are fond memories of teen years, “Lollipop Girl” is dreaming about an English magazine model. And plenty of loving references to mid sixties anime with “Gigantor” and “Speed Racer.” Indeed, the enchanting “We Did It All For Rock N Roll” emphasizes the nagging feeling that we all long for that nostalgia when rock and roll was at the top of the cultural zeitgeist. Fans of Sweet, Mott The Hoople, and Queen will love this. Overall it demands to be played loud and its highly recommended.
Power Popaholic Interview: Adam Levy (The Honeydogs)
Adam Levy (The Honeydogs)
I chat with the amazing Adam Levy of The Honeydog, who have a new album out called “Algebra for Broken Hearts,” we get into details about the album, and how the band successfully reunited. Read the full album review here. 🎶The Honeydogs and The Fuzziliers
The Honeydogs “Algebra for Broken Hearts”
Reunion albums are typically a mixed bag. However, this album marks the Honeydogs’ first recording session with their original lineup of Adam Levy, Noah Levy, Trent Norton, and Tommy Borscheid in 28 years. It’s a blend of the band’s early scrappy energy and more refined songwriting, with a variety of styles and moods. And, like 20/20’s ‘Back to California’, a complete success. The Honeydogs occupy the rare gap between alt. country and indie rock, creating a distinct sound with a multitude of influences.
The album’s opening track, “Attic Brain,” features a powerful Led Zeppelin-esque riff, and the title is a play on “addict brain” and reflects on personal issues. It changes tone to the bluesy acoustic strums of “I Don’t Wanna Fight,” and snaps back with the catchiest rocker here “Kill Switch,” it’s a terrific single that really sticks. The melodic title track has a dreamlike contemplation of the ebb and flow of time and the intricacies of existence. Other highlights include the glam-rock meets country “Captain”and “Irish Goodbye,” which delves into issues of drug-fueled dysfunctional relationships; it sounds like a cross between Cheap Trick and Motown. With no fluff whatsoever, this is a fantastic album that, with any luck, will signal the beginning of new recordings. Highly Recommended.
Fuzziliers “Most Fun”
Founded in Russia, and then moved to Istanbul, Turkey the Fuzziliers combine psychedelic rock, acid rock and Brit pop influences. The opener “CTRL” opens with a simple synth beat, but builds on it with multiple instrumentation, harmonies and finally a kick-ass guitar. The lyrics of guitarist and singer Slava Lobanov are somehow current, approachable, and lighthearted. The psyche-rock of “Most Fun” and the positive melodic groove of “Porcelain” are highlights.
“Future Society” is another mix of the melodic with the acid fuzz wah-wah pedals, described as Iron Butterfly performing Kinks songs. The bouncy “In The Morning” contrasts with the sprawling prog rock narrative of “Fake Dancer.” Overall, it’s never predictable but can dwell on some songs too long. I would definitely consider this music that deserves to be heard. If you are into diverse soundscapes, check this out.
August Singles and Previews: Vibeke Saugestad Band, Marshall Crenshaw, Timmy Sean, The Wellingtons, Vegas With Randolph, The Photocopies