New Rock documentaries: Collective Soul and The Beach Boys

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For multi-Platinum Atlanta rockers Collective Soul, seeing eye to eye, and ear to ear, is part of the secret sauce of why the band continues to both record and play together after 30-plus years. They’ve sold over 15 million albums worldwide–six of which have gone Gold or Platinum—and boast seven #1 singles, including “Shine,” “December,” and “The World I Know.” They’re now giving fans an insight into that musical world with the release of their first-ever documentary, Give Me A Word: The Collective Soul Story, which will be released July 8, 2025. Official movie site here

We all know and love The Beach Boys, and with Brian Wilson’s passing it’s important to share the bands legacy. Disney+ has a new documentary called The Beach Boys. It features exclusive interviews and rare footage from the band’s career. Including interviews with many artists, such as Lindsey Buckingham, as well as band members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, and Bruce Johnston. The film also features Blondie Chaplin, Ricky Fataar, and former band members Carl and Dennis Wilson. It is definitely a basic bio of the band — not too in depth, so Beach Boys virgins apply!

The Brigadier and Bryan Estepa

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“The

The Brigadier “Sailing the Seven Neuroses”

It’s been 8 years since The Brigadier (aka Matt Williams) visited us, and his return brings back his unique sound exemplified on the opening track “Bleak Companion.” The pop bounce of “The Purge” is about the difficulty of leaving things behind, “I can’t let go, everything I ever had is in this place” he sings, and it has enough twists to have you humming along. “Count Your Blessings” offers advice on gratitude, and be thankful “before you mess things up” with a nice jangle break between the verses. Matt’s soft vocals and layered synths work well, but several songs are missing hooks to keep you invested in repeat plays.

But he hits the mark with “Hot Solace” as he states, “I won’t let the melancholy come over me.” When the guitars mix with synths on “Heaven’s in my Heart” or “Everyday an Ordeal,” it often recalls 80s-era new wave pop, and this is Matt’s sweet spot. The title track is an interesting instrumental that recalls late-era Brian Wilson. This also comes up on the finale, “Don’t Go to Bed Mad,” which has lovely harmonies and is one of the best tunes here. Overall a good album that reintroduces us to the talents of The Brigadier. Check it out!

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Bryan Estepa

Bryan Estepa “I See It Now”

Australian Singer-songwriter Bryan Estepa has been a fixture of the DIY indie pop scene for over 20 years, and each album is a lesson in polished authenticity. The opener “Where You Begin” sets up the reflective theme, and “Grounded” is a lovely mid-tempo ballad that evokes McCartney styled sweetness. My favorite here is the light rocker “Version of Me;” picture a mixed blend of yacht rock and Fountains of Wayne. Estepa also addresses the passage of time on “Lines Will Show” and the hook-laden “Alright, OK,” which features a soft chorus that preserves the reflective atmosphere, even with those sharp guitars riffs.

The album closes out with the bittersweet “La última vez” and the lyrically sincere, unpretentious title track “I See It Now.” Although “Corners” feels like a misfire with its pounding rhythm, this short album lacks any filler. If you like soft guitar-pop and are interested in stories about healing, self-improvement, and introspection, you will enjoy this album. Fans of Wilco, Elliott Smith, or Fountains of Wayne should check out this well-crafted group of songs.

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Singles Late June: John Larson and The Silver Fields, Late Cambrian, The Dogmatics, Friends of Cesar Romero, Star Circus, The Jive

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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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I was a happy participant at the show in the basement bar Bowery Electric on June 13, 2025. How could I not love all these great bands! MC’ed by Kurt Baker, The Midnight Callers opened the evening with their retro-rock swagger, reimagining ’70s riffs.  Next, The Jellybricks performed power-pop with style. From “DOA Brooklyn” to a lively Beatles cover (“I’ve Just Seen a Face”), their set was tight, lyrical, and full of hooks. Joy Buzzer lit up the room and the crowd sang along to their debut ‘Pleased to Meet You’ album loaded with  energy. Steve Conte ended the night with some serious New York Dolls-inspired swagger. What else can I say? Check out the video bits from my buddy Steven.

See the entire Playlist

Caper Clowns and Shortwaves

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Caper Clowns

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.

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Shortwaves

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.

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