8×8 and Baby Scream

powerpopaholic
8x8

8×8 “Inflorescence”

This is the third 8X8 album from duo of Lane Steinberg (NYC, US) and Alex Khodchenko (Kiev, Ukraine). The two musicians have shown from the very beginning how to make excellent music through long distance collaboration. This effort is more of a mixed collection of styles ranging from bouncy pop gems like “My Summertime High” to acid-tripping psychedelic epics like “The Essence.”

The best 8×8 work clearly falls in that psych-pop middle with the brilliant “After All is Said and Done” with its swirling organs and guitar chimes, and “Bubbles” full of layered guitar rhythms and Lane’s rhyming lyric. The strong narrative piano on “No More Second Chance” and atmospheric “Some Surreal Idea” are more highlights on this album. Without a doubt, this is music that deserves to be heard. Highly Recommended.

Buy Direct | Kool Kat Musik

Baby Scream

Baby Scream “Life’s A Trap”

Once again Argentinian artist Juan Pablo Mazzola brings us his latest musical vision with producer Nick Schinder. Often compared to John Lennon due to his similar sounding timbre and subject matter, and the opener “Life’s Better When U R High” is no exception.

The simple guitar strums are supported by light strings on “The Ballad Of Music Biz” where Juan Pablo laments he’ll “never make the cover of Rolling Stone” and other assorted depressing musings. Thankfully the tempo swings up as the lyrics get bizarrely sweet on “Climbing Down” about the joys of fatherhood. The next several songs concentrate on the regrets of lost youth, very much in the spirit of Harry Nilsson. As he says on “Midnight Snack” it’s not the end, but “life is about beers and weed.” Chill out with this one.

Amazon

Bullet Proof Lovers and The Heaters

powerpopaholic
Bullet Proof Lovers

Bullet Proof Lovers “Bullet Proof Lovers”

Kurt Baker is back! This new band boasts the dual guitars of Luiyi Costa and Juan Irazu. The Bullet Proof Lovers come closer to The Ramones than Baker’s self-titled band, just straight forward rock and roll with loud guitars, and catchy riffs, as evidenced by the opener “It’ll Be Alright.” Punkier cuts “Leave Me Alone” and “She’s Gonna Leave” are short and sweet.

The best song here “Nothing I Can’t Do” uses all the techniques to bring down the house; harmonies, fast tempos, and a driving chorus. “Master of My Destiny” is another well-written gem. Unfortunately the lack of stylistic or tempo diversity can wear the listener down, even with Wyatt Funderburk producing. However this is manna for Kurt Baker fans and I’ve heard a follow up is on its way.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Bullet Proof Lovers

The Heaters “American Dream”

Before the explosion of girl rockers in the early ‘80s (The Go-Go’s, Joan Jett, The Bangles) The Heaters managed to scrape together a record deal with CBS. The trio of Mercy Bermudez, Melissa Connell, and sister Maggie Connell were a combination of contemporary pop and a throw back to the late ‘60s girl groups. They failed to generate excitement, and the band broke up. But shortly afterwards decided to go the DIY route (a rare thing at that time) without a label or studio support. Without corporate masters over their shoulders The Heaters were able to indulge with a 4-track Portastudio and reel-to-reel tape.

Sounding a lot like an updated version of The Ronnettes, “American Dream” is a slice of uncovered nostalgia. “All I Want To Do” is a bit more modern, with simple guitar and drum accompaniment. A highlight here is “10,000 Roses” with several harmonic techniques and a piercing finish. The best example of the modern and retro combine is “Rock This Place” with its steady Chuck Berry guitar riffs. Fans of Girl Groups will enjoy this release.

Amazon

FREE Stuff: Talk Show Host, Richard Cummins, and The Anderson Council video

powerpopaholic

Talk Show Host – Like the pop punk of Green Day? Then enjoy this fast paced band from Toronto. Band is described as “Two recovering punks and an indie rocker walk into a bar.” FREE download (no drink minimum).

Richard Cummins – Yet another Beatles cover album, with an emphasis on McCartney’s work and some of his solo stuff. very well done and a FREE download. Hey Beatle tribute bands, he may be available!

And since Macca “taught him to play,” he wrote an original song about that too.

Music Video Spotlight

The Anderson Council’s Facebook exclusive video for “Magical” from their newest CD Assorted Colours. We review it here.

Somerdale and Hector and The Leaves

powerpopaholic
Somerdale

Somerdale “Shake It Maggie”

You couldn’t ask for a better self-referential intro than “Take It From The Top” with all the guitars, harmonies and catchiness. It even acknowledges that power pop is “so out of style its cool” and if you love the classic power pop sound (Badfinger, Raspberries, Cheap Trick) you’ll be hard pressed to find a better example on Shake It Maggie.

“Waiting For You” is a slow burning rocker with layered instrumentation that drives to a dramatic peak. “The News” picks up the tempo and that fuzzy guitar rhythm just sticks in your head. The thick slabs of riffs and chord structure on “Excuse Me” make it an irresistible power ballad. “Feel The Magic” is a little Bay City Rollers mixed with Slade, full of hand claps and smoking’ harmonies. Another one of my favorites here is “The Coolest Kid In School,” sounding like a lost song from teen 90’s movie soundtrack, its both sweet and wicked. Even though there are moments of meandering hard rock (“She’s Leaving California”) there is not a note of filler here. Get’s a nod as one of the top ten albums for 2016. Don’t miss it!

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik | CD Baby


Hector and the leaves

Hector and the Leaves “Sometimes In The Morning: EPs 2012-2106”

Hector and The Leaves (aka Tom Hector) is a London based folk-pop outfit who’s been putting out EPs for several years and this collection puts it all together.

“I’ll Be Leaving Soon” with its wispy, layered vocalizations sets the mellow mood. “Imogen” has Elliott Smith like acoustic guitar strums, and then the bouncy “Problems” offers up a warm hook that will coax the indifference out of any educated listener. The lush “California” with its hushed harmonies recall Curt Boechetter or The Brigadier with its beautiful “ba-ba-ba” chorus. There is some minor filler here (“Baumer’s Suit,” “I Ride My Bicycle”) but it doesn’t detract from the albums flow. “Good Times” and “Goodbye” has an almost pastoral dreamlike quality. You will either love this gentle full warm sound or it will put you to sleep. Either way it’s highly recommended mellow-out music.

Kool Kat Musik

Hector and the Leaves – On Your Own from rowan armstrong on Vimeo.