Roto’s Magic Act “Into The Unknown”

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Roto’s Magic Act is the project of James Rotondi (Mr. Bungle, The Cringe) is one of those sleeper albums that crossed my playlist. The circus theme is pretty ambitious, and the opener “Circus Clown” is a study in subtleties, with jazzy rhythm guitars that lead to the hook in the chorus. Its over 4-minutes, mixing influences as diverse as Dire Straits, Collective Soul and The Doors. “Hearts In Flight” is a country flavored mid-tempo song, and then it shifts gears to a glam-infused rocker “Faraway Lands.”

The power pop of “Happier Than Ever” has the wry sarcastic approach of Jellyfish, and both “Hot News” and “South” have wicked skilled guitar work. The style here is closer to those beloved late 70’s bands (Styx and Meatloaf), also on the most memorable tracks here “The Old Trapdoor” and “Strays.”

The potpourri of styles may initially be off-putting, it fact I would encourage multiple listens on shuffle mode for best results. You are likely to find a favorite track here be it power pop, hard rock, country-rock or folk. Roto’s Magic Act will be released May 13.

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Archie Powell and The Exports “Back in Black”

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If you were expecting Archie Powell and The Exports to go back to the happy-go-lucky mood of Skip Work, you’ll have to keep waiting. Back In Black doubles down on the punk/hard rock leanings and is closer to classic Nine Inch Nails, The Pixies or Nirvana than anything else. But the band still has a knack for catchy melodies, “Everything’s F*cked” is a solid single despite Powell screaming out the lyric. My favorite here is “Tattoo On My Brain” with its snappy downbeat, and inventive lyric; “Just tattoo on my brain/ remind me how you made my agenda for going insane..”

After some scream therapy exercises (“Lean” and “Scary Dream”) we get the workman-like “Holes” and “The High Road.” This high energy album gets across the emotions of hitting rock bottom when you’ve been dumped, best described in “I’m Gonna Lose It.” The hard edged arrangements lead to our protagonist ready to “Jump Off A Bridge” and then reins it in, and realizes “Everything’s Cool.” Overall a great anger album, all about frustrations and settling in a dark place. I just hope the band has a sunnier disposition on the next release.

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Nine Times Blue and Tiny Volcano

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Nine Times Blue “Matter Of Time” EP
After a solid debut, Kirk Waldrop and the band continue to forge ahead with melodic rock in the tradition of The Gin Blossoms, Fountains of Wayne and Matthew Sweet – heavy on the guitar licks and earnest on the lyrics.

The band sounds even tighter here, with a more balanced sound than before. “Falling After You” is a pretty mainstream single that non power-pop fans will gravitate to. “Matter of Time” is the collaboration of Waldrop and Cliff Hillis, but my favorite track here is “Only Lonely (The Shovel Song)” where Kirk has a terrific guitar solo under the chorus. Give it a spin.

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Tiny Volcano “Tiny Volcano”
This is a blast from the past, around 2003 Tiny Volcano was featured in the Not Lame Catalog, this Washington state band was led by Scott McPherson. Critic Eric Sorensen called the single ” ‘You Wanna Go’ a perfect combination of Beatlesque and jangly pop as I have heard since the Spongetones were recording material in this genre.” Well, now its re-released on Bandcamp and if you missed it years ago here’s your chance to get it.

The album touches on all the genre’s influences from piano pop bounce of “Loaded Gun” lead to the heavier guitar melodic gem “Mary Goes Around.” How cool is it to have a song named “Liam Gallagher” sung in the Oasis style and “Wonderful Sun” done in “Blackbird” finger picking style, just trust me and re-discover this lost gem.

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Concert Review: Cavestomp! The Garage Rock Festacular

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One of the coolest radio shows on the planet is Little Steven’s Underground Garage and they frequently feature great power pop on the show. Many of these artists receive the accolades “Coolest Song” or a spot in his yearly top ten — and at this occassion several played live at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn (site of our Power Popaholic Fest). The show continues Sunday night (4/27) at the Mercury Lounge (NYC), so you still have time to see this great show.

Hosted by Handsome Dick Manitoba of The Dictators, and one of my favorite veteran bands The Jellybricks opened things up. They did a great set of songs from their new album Youngstown Tuneup, one of my favorites this year. The follow up with John and Brittany, that’s John Faye (IKE, The Caulfields) and Brittany Rotondo served up a grunge covered set of sour sweetness. The dynamic duo were then followed by Palmyra Delran, and she totally rocked the house down. Finally The Connection took the stage, they were in my top ten last year and they did not disappoint onstage. Overall, it was an amazing night of music!

The High Dials and Tam Johnstone

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The High Dials “Yestergraves” EP
The High Dials have evolved their style, shedding the psychedelic influences and moving up a few decades to the late ’80s on Yestergraves. Fans of Depech Mode and The Cure will find a lot to like in the title track. The next song “Echoes and Empty Rooms” is a cool update on The Psychedelic Furs sound. While this is all well and good, I kind of miss the old synth-free band that focused on a more guitar centric melodies.

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Tam Johnstone “Cockatoo”
Loved Tam Johnstone’s work years ago on the great The General Store album, so I was totally into this roaring 1920’s soundtrack that’s oddly compelling. If you liked Paul McCartney’s period Music Hall single “Honey Pie” — imagine an entire album of this stuff.

All done with a tongue-in-cheek attitude and great radio acting as well. The slow melody/radio play of “Under The Moonlight” is contrasted by goofy absurdity of “Be-Bop Skiddly-Doo” including faux Louie Armstrong vocals. Just imagine if 10cc played at the Overlook Hotel, and you’ll get the sweet ballad “I Still Dream Of You.” And the title track is another hilarious vamp that combines The Muppet Show theme with Monty Python humor. Honestly, Tam’s talent shines underneath all the period trappings and weirdness. Go really, really retro and give it a listen.

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