This is a collective of talented Italian musicians led by Fabrizio Serrecchia, with an unrequited love of American power pop. They mention The Beatles “White Album” as ‘the bible’ but listening to the band’s opener “First, coffee” I would say the music is closer to 10cc then anything else. The melodic productions are very polished and irresistible, you can hear each musicians varied influences (from rock, classical and jazz).

One of the strongest tracks follows with “King Of The Night” a clean crisp production with guitars, keys and horns that recall Steely Dan’s best. The atmospheric and jazzy instrumentals of “The Station” introduce a strong female vocal, Luisa Ferrari. The brilliant “John Titor (Or The Time Traveller)” is a melodic tidbit that satisfies, with synth piano and flowing guitar rhythms. The acoustic guitar and male/female duet on “Surprise and Pleasure” morphs into a Broadway styled rock musical number. The shifting of vocals from male to female, as well as shifting from rock to pop show-tunes style can be distracting at first, and I found it works better after several listens. Overall, a wonderful showcase for these musicians, it’ll leave you begging for more.

Mark Radcliffe “The Sea Before Us”
Mark Radcliffe is an undeniable talent, a singer/songwriter in the mold of Duncan Shiek, David Grey or Kenny Loggins. Starting with the upbeat “In The Sun,” its compelling guitar chords hold your attention, and the hook in the chorus keeps you there. The strong, descriptive lyrics in “Other Side Of The Pillow” and “Tumbleweed” shares plenty in common with the Finn brothers or Bruce Hornsby. The emotional pull of these songs are strong, especially on “Tumbleweed” where the ache of the road is clear, when he sings “I don’t want to be another tumbleweed/ rolling down the road. Never knowing which way is home.” One of the catchiest songs here is “Miss Hard To Forget” a flirty, white-boy-soul pop tune that lightens the mood instantly.  Every song has a strong composition, sparse rhythms and well crafted melodies, so even though the energy level tones down at the album’s mid point, it never gets predictable. The acoustic guitar is the primary focus and even on ballads like “No Time To Lose,” the songs resonate. A hidden gem for sure.

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Moonjellies “Inner Anger Feather”
French power pop artists Moonjellies hits the spot on a hot day with their gentle melodies and harmonies similar to late-era Beatles and solo John Lennon. The music isn’t so hard edged and favors subtlety in place of jangle theatrics.  The Fab affection is truly sincere with the opener “The Meeting Place,” a melodic anthem punctuated by light horns and soft guitar riffs. “Come Across Your Shade” is a bit more White Album-like, with a mantra-like repeating rhythm and smooth backing harmonies. “No Better Side Of the Road” adds a folk element to the sound and “Man In A Crowd” is similar to Neil Young’s earliest material. The attempts at a retro folk sound are okay, but the Beatlesque sound is what will attract most listeners. Unfortunately the lack of energy becomes wearying over the course of the album, but the band seems to excel at creating a soothing vibe overall.  A hypnotic guitar epic “Sunrise” sounds like an out-take from George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” and the wonderful ending track “Black Cloud” is beautiful a Lennon lullaby. A good album for those with Fab obsessions, others may find it tedious.

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