New EPs: Deon Toh, Eytan & The Embassy and the Sound of Growing Up

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Deon Toh “Letters” EP

Singapore native Deon Toh isn’t quite traditional power pop but creates solid pop compositions with intricate piano melodies that recall Eric Matthews. “I’ll Find A Way” is a great start and the soaring strings in “Little Lives” make it a standout. “Ties” bring to mind the casual easy listening John Mayer used to be famous for. “Take My Heart With You” has a calm confidence that shines through each note. Overall, a real treat for lovers of baroque pop out there.
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Eytan And The Embassy “The Free” EP

Eytan & The Embassy is is a 6-piece soul-powered rock group from Brooklyn. The party starts with the funky “No Reason To Cry” and the catchy theme of “The Good Life” has a wonderful piano chorus and dense orchestration.  “From Now On” is a slow ballad that has a bit of 50’s style and “Good Morning Marilyn” delights with it’s clean pop composition and stuck-in-your head melody. I hope Eytan expands on this project — I would like to retreat to this pop asylum!
FREE download from Bandcamp 

The Sound of Growing Up “Drifting” EP

This one isn’t a free download, but it’s worth checking out if just for the terrific opening single “The Kite” which bangs away on a piano like a mix of Ben Folds and John Faye of IKE. The following tracks aren’t bad either, “Swing” and “I Have No Reason” are also memorable. Both tracks makes great use of vocalist-guitarist Justin Kao. A very promising start and hopefully a full length album is forthcoming.
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Ivan Julian "The Naked Flame"

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Ivan Julian is one of punk’s unsung talents as long time guitarist for The Voidoids. He’s jammed with the Isley Brothers, The Clash and Matthew Sweet, so it’s a bit surprising we are finally hearing a solo album. The album is classic pop punk with a relentless energy and Julian’s distinct vocals. “Waves” opens the doors with a Ramones-like chorus, but the big standout is “A Young Man’s Money” with it’s pitch perfect riffs and lyrical rants.

The title track is a dark urban love song filled with grit and distorted guitars. Julian is assisted by the Argentinian indie band Capsula, who does a great job here fleshing out the compositions. The beat and ringing guitars of “Hardwired” and “Constricted” are also standouts that recall the heyday of the CBGB’s era. “The Beat” adds a touch of psychedelic drone and “Godiva” will appeal to your inner Hendrix for sure. For fans of Iggy Pop, Velvet Underground and Lou Reed this is an essential album to add to your collection.

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Jerry Rio "Foreverland"

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Jerry Rio is the talent behind last years top ten band Sunrise Highway. This song is a preview of things to come. The lyrics describe a wistful dream of “Foreverland” where “rock and roll makes you feel you’ll never get old.” Loving that 12 string Rickenbacker strum too. Note: Since I’ve been getting lots of video previews lately, I had a video gallery created. Check it out!

power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.