Sometimes it makes sense for a power pop artist to test out a different sound. That’s exactly what Justin Kline is doing with this new band Origami Hologram. Using a noise pop template Justin is joined by Dan Wax (Bass, background vocals) and Jamie Mclane (Drums) recording it all in his home studio in Murfreesboro, TN. “Bats In The Attic” uses textures like Robert Pollard, with amp hum and feedback as part of each song (mostly as a backing layer) and extra fuzzy guitars. Justin’s earnest vocals and harmonies still work each on composition, the standout being “Ghost Horse”. It’s all pretty good and best of all it a FREE Download. Enjoy!
Two Sheds Jackson “The Collaboration Series – Movement One” EP
This came out very late in December, but it merits recognition as my favorite new EP so far this year. Named after a great Monty Python sketch, this German pop band has put together an all-star cast of guest musicians on this short, but impressive Beatlesque release (you get the hint from the “Let It Be” styled cover).
The first song “Beautiful Sunchild” features the talented Rick Hromadka (Maple Mars) and it’s swirling chorus is comparable to The Wondermints at the height of their powers. Next Netherlands artist William Oudijk leads us through the “Port of Amsterdam” with a lush orchestration that brings to mind ELO with acapella harmonies between choruses. Next Luke Jackson is leading “Ain’t A Good Solution” with both a fast paced tempo and terrific guitar solo work. Then Roger Klug gives us “Long Long Way” with a reference to a “long and winding road” along it’s piano melody. Each song is excellent – and this collection of singles will find its way to a spot on your permanent playlist. My only wish is Movement Two isn’t far behind. Bravo!
Dwight Twilley “Soundtrack”
For pop icon Dwight Twilley, Soundtrack is an autobiography, not unlike Ringo Starr’s reminiscing on Liverpool 8. It opens with “You Close Your Eyes,” which closely resembles those early hits that mirrored Tom Petty’s work with layered rhythm guitars and ascending bass lines.The album standout “Bus Ticket” has more lyrical muscle with honky-tonk memories and a kick ass guitar solo. The morose themes of “My Life,” “Skeleton Man” and “The Cards Will Fall” drive home the message that “Life is a short journey so you better get it right.” But overall the look back is affectionate and grateful on the title track and “The Lonely One.”
The album is also a tribute to his former partners Phil Seymour (on “Good Things Come Hard,”) and long time lead guitarist Bill Pitcock IV (on “The Last Time Around”). Twilley fans will hear echos of Sincerely in spots and although not as immediate as The Green Blimp, it still packs plenty of punch.
dwighttwilley.com | Amazon
Note: Youtube is not broken — there are 14 seconds of silence before the song starts.
Dark Ocean Colors and Jenny O.
Dark Ocean Colors “Dark Ocean Colors”
The duo of Scott Hunt and Mark Mikel have worked on many projects together (including The Pillbugs and The Sprags) to create a rich tapestry of psychedelic textures and looping melodies using numerous instruments (guitars, Mellotrons, violins, etc.) and old analog gear to give it an authentic vintage sound. “My Barbara Closed The Doors” gets started right where the Pillbugs left off and it sounds great. “Crashing The Sky” sports a marching beat to the swirling guitars and vocal harmonies. Fans of progressive rock will also love this, as it’s a got a strong instrumentation on “The Other Line” and sunshine pop fans will swoon over “Lazy Lighthouse Jupiter Band” and the baroque “Same Old Mistake.”
This is an album is a real grower for audiophiles that reveals gorgeous musical tidbits with each listen. It did appear on a few “best of” lists for last year for that reason — as even weaker tracks, like “She’s A Cornucopia” are performed so beautifully, despite the lack of a hook. Best comparison I have is The Olivia Tremor Control’s Dusk At Cubist Castle but with better harmonies. Just listen to the vocals on “Dream Away” and try not to be impressed. This is one great headphones album.
Amazon | Itunes
Listen to “My Barbara Closed The Doors”
Jenny O. “Home” EP
Jenny O. reminds me a bit of Anya Marina mixed with Janis Ian, it’s got hints of folk, blues and a very sparse production. Honestly the bass hook and brazen lyrics on “Well OK Honey” just drew me in here and its cool beyond words. “All My Wishes” is a great showcase for Jenny’s melodic vocal and the gentle folk acoustic guitar and steady beat makes “Won’t Let You Leave” another winner.
Another solid melody is on the old piano ballad “I Do I Do” where it builds with double tracked harmonies and tambourines to a complex weave of melodies that would make Brian Wilson proud. I can’t wait till the full length – this EP is highly recommended for sure – also check out the video.
Amazon | Facebook
Doctor Squid “Doctor Squid Changes the Channel”
Athens, Georgia band Doctor Squid returns with a more measured tone compared to its debut album. The subtle building guitar strums of “Through Your Eyes” come across like a mix of Field Music and Weezer with its upbeat minor chords. The harmonies that open “Regret It and Let It” are similar to The Davenports, with its poppy backing vocals and steady riffs in the chorus. The band has definitely matured here, with more deliberate melodies and well crafted harmonies (like on “As Soon As I Discern” and “Rock Solid”).
The apparent solemn ballad “Come Around” is almost a intermission for the listener between all the heavier, faster tunes. Nothing here is that predictable, and it moves in a slight alternative direction, “To The Snow” changes tempo midway through the song and then switches back. Another approach to the songwriting is starting slow and building to a guitar frenzied chorus. This all makes for totally enjoyable listening, although it wanes toward the albums end with the weary anthem “Through Any Eyes.” It’s just great to find a young band carrying the torch of melodic rock and roll. Enjoy this FREE track “Rock Solid”.
CD Baby | Amazon