Powerpopholic

EP reviews: Phlying Saucer and Stag

June 15, 2011October 27, 2024 powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Phlying Saucer “Pancakes” EP
A neat find here is The Phlying Saucer, a young band with a sound that’s akin to Weezer and Foo Fighters. Lead by singer Phil McDonald, he’s joined by Lydell Valdriz (drums), Evan Brass (bass) and Chris Miranda (guitar). The band came together when they all realized that they had a shared love of modern power pop. “Breaking Down” has a crisp guitar lead and catchy melody. “One Red Light” offers those rambunctious riffs and fast tempo, very similar to Bowling For Soup. Each of the tracks on this EP shine brightly, and should find a place on your play list.

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Stag “Paper Crown” EP
Veteran Seattle musicians Ben London, Pete Everett, Rob Dent, Lincoln Barr and singer Steve Mack formed Stag last year and its sound effortlessly combined classic Who guitar stylings with a modern rock flair. Their sophomore EP “Paper Crown” is produced by Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden) and it sounds great. A perfect example of a rock band that makes great musicianship sound like casual fun. The title track has it all, an unvarnished beat and riff party with a solid melody. Likewise, “Love Her Records” pulsing beat and earnest lyrics describing a music snob is just infectious. It’s one of the best tunes I’ve heard this year. I wish this was more than four tracks – don’t miss this excellent EP.

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The Power Popaholic Interview: Andrew Gold

June 13, 2011July 7, 2024 powerpopaholic

As reported last week, musician Andrew Gold passed away on Friday, June 3, 2011 in his home in Encino, Calif. Thanks to a contribution by Robert Pally, I can present this interview with Andrew posthumously. It was done after release of The Fraternal Order of The All, read the interview here or visit our Artist interviews section.

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On a lighter note, Google has a cute “guitar” tribute in honor of Les Paul’s 96th Birthday. Play and record on this neat-o widget!

The Red Button "As Far As Yesterday Goes"

June 10, 2011December 4, 2024 powerpopaholic 3 Comments

The duo of Seth Swirsky and Mike Ruekberg return after their amazingly popular 2007 debut. The bands British Invasion style is intact, with the addition of Swirsky’s maturing themes he explored so well in his solo work from last year, Watercolor Day.

“Caught in the Middle” picks you up with a note perfect Beatlesque rocker full of Rickenbacker jangle. Mike’s “As Far as Yesterday Goes” is a wistful ballad, done in a lounge style with solid hook in the bridge. Seth’s “Picture” floats on by, light as cloud with gorgeous harmonies like sweet sunshine. “Girl, Dont” brings back the Merseybeat mid-tempo goodness. The shimmering keys open on “Easier” describes a long term relationship and is one of the best tracks on the album, with lots of 70’s stylistic touches… much like the late great Andrew Gold. And that’s where the Red Button goes, from the memorable “On A Summer Day” with solid horns playing off the piano theme during the chorus. “She Grows Where She’s Planted” mesmerizes with a break full of backwards guitars a la “Rain,” its a perfect example of using a Beatles technique without making the song sound like an homage. “Genevieve” is another example of this more mature song style without losing any of its melodicism.

Sonically this album flawless, without a loose note and does the near impossible of topping the debut. So far this is the album to beat this year, as it quickly takes a top spot in my top ten albums of 2011.

The Red Button.net | Amazon | CD Baby | KoolKat Musik

The Q "Sonically Sound"

June 8, 2011July 7, 2024 powerpopaholic

The Q from Gloucester, England, are a wonderful Mod revival band with power pop influences in the tradition of The Who and The Jam. “Growing Up” is a heartfelt rocking tribute to your favorite 45 rpm records. The sixties styled beats on “Ego” and “Taste Of Honey” have an early Kinks sound, with guttural chords and on the latter track shouts of “yeah, yeah, yeah” punctuating the end of each chorus. “No Compromise” is another strong track, with a more psychedelic feel similar to The Cynics or The Action.

The big catchy standouts here are “Good Enough” and “Being Totally Frank” which really seems to channel Roger Daltry at his ernest peak. Another impressive fact is that the lyrics are all about personal anxiety and insecurity from a British perspective. “Penny Pinching” speaks to everyone living paycheck to paycheck. Every track is quality, without any filler here. Full of punk energy, buzzing riffs and bright harmonies it’s another “no-brainer” to add to your playlist.

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The Brigadier and Bryan Estepa

June 7, 2011October 27, 2024 powerpopaholic

The Brigadier “Holiday Special” EP
Once again Matt Williams returns with his latest seasonal themed EP. “When The Sun Comes Out” is a sweet summer song with jangle filled melody, rock riffs and multi-tracked chorus. Once more Matt’s soft vocal plays to the narrative strengths in “Swansong” with a thick reverb guitar. On the sparse, but brilliant “A Holiday Romance” it’s both corny and compelling, you picture a resort-romance montage.

“Ogmore-by-Sea” is an jaunty surf-styled guitar tune and “Time To Go Home” wraps up the theme in a neat bow. The subtle orchestral touches make the melody display the dichotomy of wanting to stay on holiday and being drawn home, it plays like a Moody Blues meets Aztec Camera epic. Overall, this Brigadier EP is reliable casual fun.

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Bryan Estepa “Vessels”
Sydney singer-songwriter Bryan Estepa grows up here, and has moved fully into solid adult pop bliss. The wonderful pop hooks and solid song craft are evidenced in the opener “Won’t Let You Down,” with the chorus bridging together complex multiple harmonic lines. The worldly theme and breezy charm here is similar to The Jayhawks and Michael Carpenter on “Hard Habits.” The best track is next, “Tongue Tied” is classic Estepa, full of memorable rhythms and wonderful harmonies.

“Purple Patch” is another standout here, Hammond organ, guitar and vocals combine like a vintage cabernet for the ears. “Alone” is similar to Tom Petty in tempo and feel. When things get serious like on “Pull Ourselves Together” and “Let It Go,” Estepa let’s his soul shine through each verse. The albums second half is decidedly sober with more of an alt-country bend to it. No matter your mood, Bryan creates an essential music album for your playlist.

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