Brian Hoffer “Into The Boulevard”
Brian is a singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who takes the DIY route to power pop similar to The Breetles or Jonny Polonsky. The early standout here is “Psychoanalysis” a catchy melodic gem that recalls They Might Be Giants or Lamar Holley. Hoffer’s vocal isn’t quite ready for the ambitious high notes on “Gently Down” but the opening piano tinkle of “Superman Somehow”is a clearly a winner with excellent lyrics and solid composition. “Cats & Birds” is a good meandering melodic loop with an impressive cello and piano duet. The narrative of rejection on “Ancient Explorers” is both endearing and easy to identify with. A few misses, but overall this is a really enjoyable debut from a talented newcomer. I hope to hear more from Brian in the near future.
Simon Felton “Surrender Dorothy!”
Pink Hedgehog head honcho, Simon Felton (Garfield’s Birthday) follows up his solo debut with the help of label mates Alan Strawbridge (Schnauser) and cult hero Anton Barbeau. Strawbridge’s psychedelic influence really paints the pop of “Marbles” and other tracks with his distinct reverse guitar and organ touches. Felton’s quintessential casual British vocal keeps things moving along on the groovy “Surprise,”it sounds very much like the pysch-pop of The Pillbugs. A sad croon is present on the mellow “Finally” and fans of sixties “toytown” era pop (The Idle Race, The Mindbenders) will love the ironically titled “Novelty.” The ballads here have never been better, and the brilliant “Slowing Down” is one of the best written songs here. The album devolves into Pink Floyd/Moody Blues styled naval gazing on the last several tracks, but fans of psychedelia will be in nirvana.
