John Seymour (aka The Fire Apes) has a new album, more of a re-introduction as it re-releases several tracks from the debut EP. Proof that it’s great power pop is that “Killing Me From Inside” and “Hey Kate!” still sound fresh. The new material matches up nicely “‘Cause You Don’t,” has a killer riff that drives the song here, and the McCartney dance hall piano approach on “Don’t Break My Heart” shows that Seymour has more depth in his musical bag of tricks. “3 O’Clock” is a jangle filled gem that recalls the sound of the aforementioned Michael Quercio band. “Lori” is another winner with a terrific guitar break between the choruses. Each track sparkles here, and if you missed the original album, you have no excuses not to pick up A Life in Letters. Fans of The Beatles, Oasis and Green Day will go for this too, as the band received over 900,000 plays on their My Space page.

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This hard working Seattle band really impressed me a few years ago and now they’ve returned with a new LP. They lean less on those classic pop influences here and are forging their own unique sound.  The solid hook and strong riffs on “What Good Am I to You Now?” makes it an early favorite single. Then, “The Great War” has layered dual vocals done to perfect effect, and restless energy drives home the battle charge (“across the hillside, over the water…”).

“Cold Wind” is another gem thick with multiple rhythms and hooks about fear of losing friends and “we’re not better left alone.” On a lighter note “Eggs Over Toast” sprints ahead with several shifts in melody like Elvis Costello with ADD, it’s exactly what songwriting with no sleep should sound like! “The Wasteland” is another lush pop composition, as if they channelled Elton John into making a sequel to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The remaining tracks are pretty compelling, but in rare cases (“The Day I Stole Your Car”) those duel vocals seem to be more in competition with the instrumentation. And in an effort to keep true to the theme of the album concept, it can feel overwrought in spots.That said the songwriting here is stronger, ideas bigger, and it overflows with authenticity.

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Moonlight Towers “Day Is The New Night”
Austin Texas band plays meaty rock and roll here, the opener “Heat Lightning” was a favorite of Little Steven Van Zandt, with its twin guitar riffs and horns in the chorus. Lead singer, songwriter and guitarist James Stevens has a knack for tunes that have more hooks than a baitshop. Highlights include “Can’t Shake This Feelin'” and the mid-tempo “Distant Wheels” which boasts fine soulful harmonies similar to Three Dog Night.

The bands’ harder rock tendencies are kept in check until the right moments in “Black River” and “Not A Kid Anymore”which recalls the most melodic moments of Guns N’ Roses. A solid beat is an energizing presence in all the songs, and no filler here either. Overall, most refreshing and if you wanted to hear soaring rock with both power and melody this is most recommended.

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The American Secrets “The Fight”and “The Flight” EPs
Here is a first – a band with 2 EPs that count as a full album together. The American Secrets are most famous as the winner of freecreditscore.com band search – having been picked by that company to do the TV commercials. With that initial burst of fame, the band have played SXSW and pumped out these dual EPs. Recorded live at a local studio with only vocals being overdubbed, they sound similar to Rooney or Death Cab For Cutie.

The solid musicianship and catchy melodies are easy to spot on “The Layman’s Heart,” and “Riding On A Falcon” has a bit of Bryan Scary showmanship, but the hooks kick in with the excellent “Mr. Cloud.” Another standout is the slow burn of “Fashion Pleasure.” The Flight EP adds the solid “Neon Train” and the Brian May-like guitars of “Flight Of The Vikings.” Taken together you hear the great potential here – but there is some inconsistency too. They clearly love that retro-70’s rock guitar aesthetic but stylistically they haven’t quite found themselves. However they are well on their way to being the next big power pop band.

Credit goes to a Power Popaholic reader for turning me on to this Swedish band with a super eclectic pop style. Dynamo Bliss was formed in 2005 in Umeå, Sweden by Mikael Sandström (vocals, guitars), Stefan Olofsson (vocals, bass) and Peter Olofsson (drums, percussion). They perform a blend of progressive pop that draws heavily from classic rock, jazz, folk and psychedelia.

Opening with a classical grand piano and synth altered harmonies on “Junk/Fear of Clouds” it sounds like a lost 10cc track for the first 2 minutes, and then transforms into a Dire Straits styled rocker. The wondrous “No Sense In It” has a compelling series of chords with a Zombies/Beach Boys styled harmony in the chorus. The bands’ gift of melody is no accident, as both Stefan and Peter had been in a Beatles cover band prior to Dynamo Bliss. “Closer To The Heart” adds a bit of Pink Floyd atmospherics, before we get to the gorgeous vocal harmonies, theremin and strumming guitar. The ballad “Thin Air” brings us a Dark Side of The Moon styled guitar solo sure to impress.

“Bird of Passage” recalls Alan Parsons and Genesis in spots, and an awesome electronic clavichord meeting a Spanish guitar is featured in “White Cherry Hill.” Being a pop-prog album it does have a tendency to meander in long elaborate passages well over 4 minutes on several songs. But that’s okay, 21st Century Junk is one great headphones album that deserves attention. Don’t miss it.

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