Green River Ordinance and The Fore

powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Green River Ordinance “Out Of My Hands”

Out of all the pablum that the music industry throws out to the public, sometimes quality musicians can emerge. Ft. Worth, TX rockers Green River Ordinance are being increasingly recognized as headed to stardom with their debut album “Out Of My Hands.” With a big push by label EMI/Virgin Records, the band has been making the rounds and getting good reviews. If you are into today’s modern rock sound (The Fray, Matchbox 20, or Third Eye Blind) then listen to the single “Come On,” driven by a powerful melody and slick production values. The songwriting is consistent and the group’s performance isn’t extraordinary, but they are still better than most modern rock bands trying to make it out there. Brothers Geoff and Jamey Ice, Josh Jenkins, Joshua Wilkerson and Denton Hunker have been playing since high school and have finally graduated here to the big time, touring with David Cook and getting airplay on MTV and other TV shows. Highlights include “Out Of My Hands” and the power pop tune “Goodbye L.A.” with soaring background harmonies and the power ballad “Last October.” On “Sleep It Off” lead singer Josh Jenkins croons “The best is yet to come…” The band is definitely pointed in the right direction.


The Fore “Run and Hide”

When we last left The Fore, I found it to be the very best Merseybeat revival band I’ve heard since the early Spongetones. After all, very few artists are willing to tackle the genre mastered by The Beatles themselves. As expected, the band does not disappoint on it’s sophomore album as we are treated to fifteen bouncing, rocking melodies. Simple guitar based songs with those fab hooks all over the place, you’ll swear this was a lost classic collection. For fans of all those old Liverpool bands of the British Invasion (Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Searchers, The Cryin’ Shames) this is a no-brainer – just go and get it now. With so many songs, some tunes stuck out as exceptional here: “We Were Meant To Be,” “Have Me Back Again,”It’s You Girl” and “Leave Me Alone” – but there are no duds here either, it’s all just pure rock and roll excitement especially when the band starts screaming on “Tell Your Friend”.  It would’ve been nice if the band tried a few variations from the formula, as the album has a homogeneous quality that may put off some listeners. But other than the new album from Alan Bernhoft, you’re not going to find a better tribute to the era.

My Space | CD Baby

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

Bright Giant and Kevin Lee & The Kings

powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Bright Giant “s/t” EP

The Des Moines, Iowa based Josh Davis Band decided to evolve into a more refined and organic style this past January and have reformed as Bright Giant. The new band has a raw energy that mixes rock, country, alternative with a chewy melodic center. It sounds a little like The Mother Hips with less psychedelic influence and more Foo Fighters injected in the mix. Opening with the distortion driven “Women” it finds it’s voice with a foot stomping rhythm and harmonic chorus.”Songbird” is another gem that starts out with heavy rock riff, but the chorus and vocal phrasing is rooted in country-pop. It’s a unique style that is sure to win over roots rockers, metal heads and a few adventurous country fans. “Jesus, The Devil & Me” is another prime example that mixes Charlie Daniels Band narrative with Nirvana styled guitar feedback.

My Space | CD Baby


Kevin Lee & The Kings “Dusk Till Dawn” EP

Chicago music veteran Kevin Lee has shared the stage with Pearl Jam, Matthew Sweet, Cheap Trick and a tour with REO Speedwagon. With the addition of Todd Jones (Guitar), Dann Morr (Bass), Erik Strommer (Drums) and Peter Spero (Keyboards) the music is very slick and production is clean on the opener “Next Big Thing” and the arena sound is big on “The Other Side” but the band pulls out the stops on “Slip Away” where the guitars churn out chunky riffs galore. Lee’s vocals at times seem overwhelmed, but they shine on the power ballad “Invisible.” This was my favorite on the EP with a great hook and inspirational melody.

My Space | CD Baby

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

Gavin Guss "Mercury Mine"

powerpopaholic 3 Comments

Seattle’s Gavin Guss is pop veteran who’s played with Nada Surf, Jon Auer, Harvey Danger, Fountains of Wayne and his own band The Tycoons. Important to note, Gavin was also lead singer/songwriter with the short lived group Tubetop who produced a pure pop masterpiece in Three Minute Hercules. Given these facts you know what to expect and he really delivers with his solo album Mercury Mine. Starting with the gentle acoustic hook in “X” it leads to a glorious McCartney-like chorus, that builds to sticky goodness in the multi-track harmonic ending with ascending basslines. The title track “Mecury Mine” has echoes of Harry Nilsson and Squeeze with it’s tinkling piano lead. There are too many gems here to count, so I’ll just indulge in my favorites, “Oasis” rings with the piano melody that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Michael Carpenter album. “Lifeboat” is another musical metaphor of the creative process at “…the bottom of The Puget Sound.” The album’s middle slows down a bit, but it has wonderful ballads that resonate, like the poignant “Marie” and the weary “Jetlagged.” Fans of Teenage Fanclub will love the guitar melody “Bud” and although the album doesn’t approach the highs it starts with, nothing here is filler, as most tunes fit in under three minutes and it’s sure to be repeated on your ipod playlist. Pure ear candy that is not to be missed.

Gavin Guss Site | Amazon

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