Although the news has been floating on the internet for a few weeks, I’m still excited that Jeff has decided to put out a new LP. Note with all the past legal fights over the name “Electric Light Orchestra,” it was decided to put Jeff’s name first (in case you thought Eric Troyer was the creative force behind ELO). “When I Was A Boy” is the first single and certainly sounds like the band(Jeff) we know and love.
Alone In The Universe is due out Nov. 13 but you can pre-order it from Amazon now.
Nick Flora is an unsung talent who has been releasing records for years and I’m shocked he fell under my radar. Vocally he sounds like the love child of Peter Gabriel and Beck singing catchy melodic songs with plenty of bite. Starting with a swaggering glam riff and beat Nick makes “The Business of Breaking Hearts” an unrepentant lothario’s theme music.
Next is “It’s All Coming Together,” a slow build to a harmonious chorus that sticks to your brain. “Take it From The Top” has a rock shuffle and guitar sounds mixed with sparse balladry in the lyrics. The plaintive ballad of the title track is akin to Elliot Smith’s double tracked vocals across acoustic guitar and the final track “For The Sake of Conversation” is another winner. I will begin to explore Nick’s back catalog of work, and I have a feeling I will really enjoy it.
If you are looking for eccentric chamber pop with brainy approach then MOMS may be for you. Formed at Princeton University, this guitar-less quintet stands out with doublebass, mandolin, violin, cello and drums. “Follow Your Heart (Or Something)” approaches the song as part dance track and part anthem for the insecure.
The violins lead “Don’t Feed The Party Animal” is like orchestral B-52s and the finger-plucking “Mothers in Jeans” builds to a compelling chorus. This pop occupies the same space as Field Music, and fans of that band will enjoy this as well. While the stories are compelling, it strays from the melodic midway through, it remains interesting to listen to. If you’re in an experimental mood – this could float your boat.
The Ravines is the brainchild of songwriter, producer and front man Chris Corney (The Contrast, The Quireboys) and drummer James Crossley (The Contrast). They burst on the scene years ago with “Manifesto of a Broken Heart,” and Chris returns with a new album, assisted by Andy Hawkins (bass guitar) and backing vocalist Susanna Benn.
Starting off with the title track it brings to mind Crowded House and The Gin Blossoms. It’s got a great hook that sticks in your head and a chorus that deserves repeat listens. It settles in a mid-tempo dense wall of jangle on “Blue Eyes” and Tambareen” with Corney’s multi-tracked vocal really strong here. Both “Dead Letters” and “Working Class Girl” have a hint of Tom Petty and its gorgeous layered harmonies blend with the guitar lead seamlessly. Not everything sticks in your brain, but most songs here do. Highly Recommended.
Sports Fan is the combo of Dion Read (Piano, Lead Vocals,) Ben Webster (Bass, Harmonies) and Vincent Kemp (Drums, Harmonies) whose brainy piano pop are patterned after Ben Folds Five. “This Is Goodbye” could’ve fallen off of Folds’ first album; it uses some baseball metaphors and has plenty of energy. “Wake Up” jumps around in its composition, with Dion pounding his keys to the rhythm. The love song “Shallow Water” has sweeping chords and “Little White Lies” sharp storytelling that bring to mind the work of Chris Merritt.
Occasionally overly melodramatic, but never boring – a good example being the erratic meter and chords on “It’s Not a Science” and Kemp’s beat keeps pace with each shift. Lots of interesting songs to dig through, and worth exploring. I look forward to hearing more in the future.
Amazon | CD Baby
After the strong Beatlesque debut, the Turnback move more toward a heavier sound on this sophomore effort, “Are We There Yet?” Opening with the hard charging riffs of “Faketown” its a cynical rant about the music industry, and bands will have to “cut through the bullshit with a sharper knife.” Even with a harder edge, The Turnback still sings those exceptional 3 part harmonies throughout the album. The standout single “Five Days A Week” has a soaring chorus that will make you a fan after the first listen. And the band still dabbles in 60’s psychedelics with “Revolution Girl,” but often I hear musical cues of late 70’s album era (i.e. Boston) in “A Long Way Home.”
“Unmotivated” slows thing down to a power ballad tempo, as Kenny Sherman leads the vocal to a brilliant layered melody with its descending chords asking us “is the song outdated?” The bright “A Place For Me,” is a proud theme for anyone who’s ever felt out of the mainstream. Uptempo tunes rule here as “July” and “First Song of Summer” follow a theme, and the unconventional “If I Were God” is a response to biblical misinterpretations with a deity telling us to “stop spreading these stories about me.” Each track is solid, including a cover of The Beatles “Tomorrow Never Knows” and overall exceeds expectations from the first album. Makes my top ten of 2015 list for sure, so pre-order it now!
Amazon
Toronto’s Key Frames are a driving roots-rock outfit with a strong melodic sensibility, starting with the soaring harmonies and banjo of “Won’t Miss It.” The song has the clear influence of Big Star here. Next the fuzz guitar combines with the banjo for “Tidal Wave,” another ear-worm full of big beats and riffs. “Road To You” takes a trip through the back country, the swagger of Johnny Cash is front and center.
But the power pop gold is found in “True Believer” with its two-minutes of sweet melody and “la la la” backing chorus. Each song is a high quality production and makes this a highly recommended EP without any filler. I look forward to the full length album in the near future.
Amazon
Mooner
I saw the potential in Mooner two years ago as a real talented band. Now my instincts have been rewarded with the first single from Mooner’s debut full-length LP “Masterpiece” Available on vinyl and digital October 9th, 2015 via Aerial Ballet Records. Awesome!
Homer Marrs and the Excellent Adventure
Homer Marrs and the Excellent Adventure is a Chicago-based indie rock act that similar to They Might Be Giants but feel a bit goofier – anyway we have a FREE EP download and you can be the judge.
Agent 13
Agent 13 make archetypal rock and roll. It’s classic but its not ‘Classic Rock’, it’s familiar but its not ‘Retro’. But most importantly, its got guitar lead melodies. Kinda reminds me of the The Heartless Devils from several years ago. And for seven bucks you get a big pile o’ music.