Uni Boys and Lukah Boo

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Uni Boys

Uni Boys “Uni Boys”

The Uni Boys return sharper and more focused, leaning fully into the sound they hinted at early on. While they share some overlap with The Lemon Twigs, Reza Martin and Noah Nash continue to carve out their own lane when mining the past. Pulling from the Nerves, The Paley Brothers, 20/20, and Milk ‘N’ Cookies. It lands somewhere between scrappy and polished, with a clear nod to late ‘70s L.A. power pop. The Uni Boys bring enough energy and conviction to make it feel fresh rather than recycled.

The production keeps things tight and direct. No filler, no gloss, just hooks and melody driving every track. This is where the Uni Boys sound most natural. There’s a balance between heartache and optimism that gives the record its staying power. The Beatlesque “You’ll Curse His Name Again” speeds along, while “I Don’t Wanna Dream Anymore” hits with a quick, upbeat punch. Both tracks feel loose and fun, like the band is enjoying every second. That energy carries through the album and pulls you in. “Abra” is a dramatic ballad with layered harmonies, while the mid tempo “Genevieve” lifts things with its brilliant chord changes and a baroque piano break. That makes this their strongest release yet. Without a doubt it makes my top ten for 2026 list. Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Lukah Boo

Lukah Boo “Respirar”

Lukah Boo (aka Antonio Sáenz) is a Madrid based singer and guitarist, who’s also known with the band The Happy Losers, one of the best Spanish speaking power pop bands ever. Occasionally I listen to foreign language power pop, because I love a great hook. And Lukah does too.

The opening title track translates to “Breathing” and it begins with piano and lovely vocal harmonies. It transitions to strong melodic guitar and verses, and the joy comes through in the music. No translation needed. There are some English ballads here, “This is What It Is,” “Like Any Other,” and “A Fool,“ and they are heart felt and sound akin to Gilbert O’Sullivan. Other highlights include  “Lo bien que me he portado” and “Aquella luz.” Overall an enjoyable listen, and if it had more songs like the title track, it would be even better. Check it out.

Bandcamp only

April Showers: TMBG, Cult Canyon, Vanilla, The Super True, The Unswept, Stupid Grin

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They Might Be Giants covers a giant influence of power pop, The Raspberries “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” for their new upcoming LP ‘The World is to Dig.’ I was glad to find the quirky power pop of Cult Canyon, check out the new EP and songs “Real Sublime” and “A Longing.” Vanilla chugs along with a new addition to ‘Lollygag’ project with the riff heavy “Hardly Surprised.” The biggest surprise is the freebie The Super True, with its own TMGB vibe on “Eyesore.” It’s always nice to get a visit from The Unswept. This new EP has real Fountain of Waynes vibe, and “Almost Always Better” has a Rivers Cuomo reference, so what’s not to love? Finally with Andy Goldberg’s Honeymoon Stallions getting attention, one of his earlier musical efforts Stupid Grin from 1999 is now available on Bandcamp, and it still holds up as timeless power pop goodness. Enjoy!




Rob Bonfiglio and The Honeymoon Stallions

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Rob Bonfiglio

Rob Bonfiglio “The Over Under”

It took eight years, but Rob Bonfiglio returns with ‘The Over Under,’ his most personal solo record to date. This is a focused, melodic album shaped by decades of experience, both on stage and behind the scenes. Bonfiglio built his reputation with Wanderlust, then expanded his reach working alongside Wilson Phillips and touring with legends like Brian Wilson. That background shows up here in subtle ways. The songwriting feels confident, the performances tight, and the production is crisp without sounding sterile. While not a straight power pop record, it tends to lean into more modern rock influences from the late 80s, with the bright “Runnin’ From Me” leading the way. The standout track next is “Monsters.” It hits hard, with sharp hooks and a punchy arrangement that recalls peak-era Butch Walker. It is the kind of song that sticks after one listen.

There are also strong supporting contributions, including vocals from Lola Bonfiglio on “Blame This.” Still, this is clearly Bonfiglio’s vision. He handles most of the instrumentation himself, approaching second half of the album with synth textures and a looser groove. While the title track has a lot of neat little passages, it still needs a better hook to keep you coming back. “Fade Away” shifts into melodic Americana, lifted by some fine pedal steel guitar from Xandy Chelmis. “Wandering Eyes” carries the DNA of Matthew Sweet in its crunching chords, and “Like A Drug” is an uplifting, soothing pop gem akin to Andrew Gold. Overall a very good album, and if you followed his earlier work or missed him over the past decade, ‘The Over Under’ delivers. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

THE HONEYMOON STALLIONS

The Honeymoon Stallions “Bona Fide”

It’s been nearly 14 years since Andy Goldberg has given us some new power pop. Lucky for us, his band The Honeymoon Stallions hasn’t lost a step, and ‘Bona Fide’ has him a little older, but just as melodic. “Stay A Little Longer” sets the tone right away. It’s upbeat guitar pop with a chorus that sticks after one listen. The band sounds sharp throughout, with Charlie Morgan on drums, Dean Basil on bass and backing vocals, Peter Dillon on bass, and Paul Umbach on keyboards. That lineup clicks best on “Kiss Me Quick,” where the rhythm section drives a tight, confident performance.

“Great Surrender” slows things down with a mid-tempo ballad that leans into early ‘60s influence. The melody carries the track, and the arrangement stays focused without overreaching. Elsewhere, “Strong Enough” and “Coming Around Again” tap into a Lannie Flowers-style approach, built on clean hooks and classic pop structure. Goldberg keeps his identity intact, avoiding current trends and sticking with what he does well. His songs also track a bit longer with several passing the 4 minute mark. The only drawback is the lead vocal sits a bit low in the mix at times, which softens the impact slightly. Bringing it forward would help a few songs land even stronger. Still, ‘Bona Fide‘ delivers what longtime fans expect. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Power Popaholic Interview: Quinn Hawkins

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Quinn Hawkins


Quinn Hawkins comes across as direct and self-aware in this interview, and that tone carries through his album Eccentric. He talks openly about burnout, relationships, and the mental clutter that drives many of his lyrics. Songs like “Different Level of Hell” and “Can’t Wait to Go to Bed Every Night” reflect a grounded perspective, built on everyday frustration rather than big, abstract ideas.

What stands out is his balance of dry humor and honesty. He does not over-explain his work or chase trends. He focuses on writing songs that feel true in the moment. That approach gives ‘Eccentric’ a consistent voice, even as the themes shift. It is a reminder that strong songwriting still starts with clear thinking and personal perspective.

👉 Album review here!

George Usher and The Corner Laughers

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“George

George Usher “Stevensonville”

What happens when artists get older? Some keep chasing the same rush, like Cheap Trick still plugging in and turning it up. Others slow things down and focus on life’s little details, like George Usher with his latest release, “Stevensonville.”

This is a concept album built around a small-town landscape, filled with sharply drawn characters. From “Reverend Thomas Pardee,” warning his congregation about creeping dangers, to “Judge John Bailey,” consumed by suspicion, Usher paints a series of interconnected portraits. His worn-in vocal delivery fits the material, giving each story a grounded, lived-in feel. “Mitch Kunkel” has a strong melodic hook and the country-leaning ballads, especially “Mary Beth Merriwether,” show off Usher’s songwriting depth. “Benny Weed” closes things out on a more optimistic note. It is about taking a risk and leaving the past behind, which gives the record a sense of resolution without wrapping everything up neatly.

This is not a quick-hit power pop record. If you connect with the characters and see pieces of real life in them, it will stick with you. And like Benny figures out, there is always a way to move on when it is time.

Bandcamp only (vinyl)


“Corner

The Corner Laughers “Concerns of Wasp and Willow”

Northern California indie pop outfit The Corner Laughers return after a five-year gap, with Karla Kane steering the ship as usual. The opening track “Terra Mia” kicks things off with bright ukulele and a melody that sticks right away, a clear reminder of Kane’s strength as a songwriter.

You get the breezy, laid-back feel of “Dusking,” then a heavier, more sugary pull on “Larkspur Landing.” That mix of light and weight has always been part of their identity, and it still works here, even when the softer moments seem overly sweet. Songs like “Rainbow Cardigan” and “Dark Matter,” which showcase their positive and energetic attitude with a hint of environmental advocacy, are highlights here. The sunshine pop of “Crumb Clean” and “Universe Point” are also underrated gems. Overall a great album, and it’s highly recommended.

Amazon | Big Stir Records