John Larson and The Silver Fields has a new album out called ‘Rumble Candy’ and, we feature the video for “Turnaround, Girl” one of the better tunes here. Fans of rock and roll jangle should check it out! Late Cambrian was looking to make happy music for the zombie flick “28 Year Later,” it’s an awesome tune, even if it doesn’t match the movies tone. On the harder track, we have The Dogmatics punk-pop of “You’ve Got What I Want” and it speeds through our headphones quick. Friends of Cesar Romero is sounding more like Sloan on it’s new freebie – check out “Summer Boyfriend” and “Rebound Baby.” Star Circus is a band that walks the line between power pop and stadium hard rock. Influenced by Queen, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick and Def Leppard, it works nicely. The new album is ‘From The Wreckage’ and I’ve inclined to get it based on this single, visit the Bandcamp page for more. Finally, along the same lines The Jive is another strong power pop band with a hard rock edge. Check out “Good Time Call” and you’ll see what I mean. So these hot bands should help you cool off!
Live at The Bowery Electric: Steve Conte, JoyBuzzer, The Jellybricks, The Midnight Callers
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Caper Clowns and Shortwaves
Caper Clowns “Without A Safety Net”
With a light, contemporary touch, the Danish indie-pop group improves upon their distinctive blend of ’60s jangle and ’90s alt-pop throughout the course of twelve songs sounding a bit like early Belle & Sebastian and The Merrymakers crossed with Crowded House. Rick Kingo’s friendly vocals and energetic guitar flourishes establish the tone for the opening track “Strange Boy.” Compared to the band’s previous albums, this one has greater polish and heart.
The bright jangle pop of “Anywhere is Home” is balanced by the heavier “Tight Ship” and “Flavour of the Month.” The songs are melodious, and boast solid, soulful guitar work. Another standout is “Behind the Waterfall (Ayayahoo)” with its playful bouzouki and infectious Irish rhythm. While every song doesn’t always hit the mark, a solid majority do, and it ends strongly with the anthemic “Reset the Sun” and the David Gilmour-ish “Dawn’s First Light.” Highly Recommended.
Shortwaves “Mental Health in the Information Age”
Dallas indie pop band Shortwaves gets the message out right away on “Creative Juices.” Lead singer Joe Holbrook chimes in, “Creative juices, I can’t break free. And when I’m six feet underground I’ll leave behind these words and sounds.” The punchy guitars, catchy choruses, and synths pay homage to ’90s alt and ’80s new wave while talking about stress, loneliness, and the search for meaning in the face of modern mental stress.
“DBA” captures the dogged determination required to pursue a music “career,” and it’s a strong melodic gem that boasts excellent riffs. The catchy “The Information Age” serves as a study in perpetual distraction from our modern quest for knowledge. The buzzing “History Man” recalls Weezer, with it’s nostalgic groove and mocking lyric. Loaded with tight, concentrated arrangements and piercing guitar riffs, it’s easy to forget that it’s a contemplation on exhaustion, aspiration, triumphs and tragedies. The quick punk-inspired “Won’t Be Ignored” and awesome instrumental “Dances With Cats” dazzles. It does have a little filler, but mostly this is a solid polished gem that resonates. Highly Recommended.
Father’s Day: doubleVee, The Krayolas, Mark Ward, Richard Snow, The Rallies, DelCobras
The Airport 77s and Nelson Bragg
The Airport 77s “Don’t Let Go”
After the phenomenal ‘We Realize You Have A Choice’ in 2022, Guitarist Andy Sullivan crafted his next group of songs for the band, along with bassist Cal Everett and drummer John Kelly. While the power pop charm remains, numerous tracks bear a stronger 80s influence. “Like Falling In Love” has an angular beat reminiscent of The Cars, and it all comes together on the centerpiece “Anyone But You,” which is one of the better tracks here.
If you are looking for the hard punching excitement of the band’s past songs, “1999 (Take Me Back”), “If It’s On, I’m In” and the explosive “She’s Everything” fill that need. But Andy goes in some new directions too, “Make’em Pay (Don’t Make It Easy)” is a story about a Bonnie and Clyde styled outlaw duo makes a great country rocker, if it had some steel pedal guitar it would be perfect. The slower, more mature themes of “The Hands of Time” and the poignant “Satellite” complete a really well-written and pleasant album. Highly recommended.
Nelson Bragg “Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology”
It’s timely and poignant that Nelson Bragg’s compilation is out now. He has been a part of Brian Wilson’s band for 14 years, including the release of the iconic SMILE album. He is a well-known figure in the L.A. pop culture. This new “greatest hits” compilation features some classic pop gems, rarities, remixes, and the brand-new Squeeze-inspired tune “We’re Gonna Laugh About It” starts it off. A jangling gem with a easy going chorus filled with minor chords and arpeggios.
On many tracks, Nelson’s Beatles love is evident, yet he seamlessly transforms the sound into something of his own. His soft soothing vocal fits well on the bouncy “Tell Me I’m Wrong,” and the double tracked harmonies on “Lived This Life Too Long” and “She Used To Love Me” recall late-era Hollies perfectly. Nelson’s Beach Boys influence come out on the classics “Whitechapel Girl” and “Death of Caroline.” As this is a curated collection, there are no filler tracks and if you never picked up any of his music before, this is the perfect primer. Highly recommended.
