Ice Cream Hands, Smash Palace, and Seth Timbs

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“Icecream

Icecream Hands “Giant Fox Pineapple Tree”

Icecream Hands have been an Australian institution since 1992, and here they aim to make another statement LP similar to 2020’s ‘No Weapon But Love.’ The themes of gratitude and hope are all over this one, “Leaving Nobody Out” is a fine theme about inclusion and “Mercy” is all about self care. And while the band still has those melodic gifts, they don’t quite hit the highs of the last LP. Still this remains a highly recommended album, highlights include; “Do Ya Feel It” and “Here and Now.”

Kool Kat Musik


““Smash

Smash Palace “87”

The number “87” refers to the year the band’s sophomore album on Epic Records should have come out. Things fell apart back then, and the band continued on indie labels after 1999 — but these “lost” songs finally get their due 38 years later, with brothers Stephen and Brian Butler leading the charge. While they are a long way from the debut hit “Living On The Borderline,” the songs here would’ve been a solid sequel. Opening with “Bitter Blue,” it’s a strong tune that has some great jangle and “I’ll Be There” has plenty of great solid riffs and a catchy chorus. Many songs have elements of the 80s era, particularly “Centipede” and “Along For The Ride,” which have percussive echoes. “Stranger Than Strange” is another noteworthy song that uses small chord changes to create a dramatic effect. You’ll appreciate this if you like mid-80s rock or are a fan of Smash Palace.

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“Seth

Seth Timbs “Idle Hands”

Nashville songwriter Seth Timbs (Fluid Ounces) has been compared to Ben Folds in the past, but his distinctive style is of a warmer persona. The infectious hooks of “You Don’t Want To Go To The Dance” sets the stage, and there are plenty other highlights here. The light strums of “Upstate Girl” has some clever lyrics, and “Half Life” feels like an earnest Billy Joel homage. Most songs are mostly sparsely produced piano, but I really enjoyed the easy pop of “Everything’s a Joke To You” and soulful ballad “Hesitation.” Timbs gift for melody is always worth the price of admission. Highly Recommended.

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Short Takes: Cheap Trick, Sharp Pins, The Manic Standstill, Rome 56

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“Cheap

Cheap Trick “All Washed Up”

This review will be easy, because if you didn’t like Cheap Trick you wouldn’t be reading this blog. Tom Petersson and Daxx Nielsen’s rhythm section is rock solid, Rick Nielsen is still can belt out a distinctive riff, and Robin Zander possesses the same blend of nuanced sensitivity and loud energy that has been part of the band’s defining style throughout their long history. For the uninitiated, Cheap Trick remains an unapologetic power pop institution, so pick this LP up and enjoy the big harmonies, layers of glistening guitars and big hooks. Highly Recommended (what else?)

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“The

Sharp Pins “Balloon Balloon Balloon”

Chicago Wunderkind Kai Slater is on his third album already, and each one shows tremendous growth. Leaning on various influences from garage-era bubblegum to Robert Pollard, it boasts a massive amount of brilliant songwriting. Taking on the DIY bedroom pop approach, the hooks are great here on the opener “Popafangout” and the lost-Beatles gem “I Don’t Have The Heart.” Most of the long 21-track list hits the mark and remind me that The Lemon Twigs are not the only band that can mine the past to create future gems. Despite the obscuring production and layered fuzz lots of standouts like “(I Wanna) Be Your Girl,” “Gonna Learn To Crawl,” and “Talking in Your Sleep.” Highly Recommended, and makes my top ten list.

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“The

The Manic Standstill “Moving”

Los Angeles-based band The Manic Standstill hit the ground running with the solid rocker “Reasons Why” (great video too!) and boasts contributions from members of The Aquabats, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Dollyrots, The Screamers, and more. Its a blend of Punk Pop and Hard Rock influences, its high energy approach works on several tracks like “Oh Francisco,” “Trying Too Hard,” and “Girlfriend Island.” The harmonies and musicianship are excellent overall. Fans of Green Day and Extreme will really enjoy this.

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“Rome

Rome 56 “Pony Tales”

Arthur Lamonica (The Shirts) continues to dazzle as rock’s elder statesman with Rome 56. “One Way Ticket” is a compelling start, the band is both melodic and easy going on “Ladder of Love,” and comparable to prime Elvis Costello. Highlights include the catchy “In The City,” “Shut Down Town,” and “Sam The Delivery Man.” You’ll appreciate these songs far more if you immerse yourself in them. The album is definitely a grower rather than an instant hit.

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Early Christmas in December: The Lemon Twigs and much more!

powerpopaholic

Well, that time of year is coming closer.

The winds are getting colder. And I’m almost another year older. So let’s open up the presents early. Firstly, The Lemon Twigs are always a great stocking stuffer with the new singles “I’ve Got A Broken Heart” and the garage rocker “Friday (I’m Gonna Love You)” full of joyous “na na nas.” Next, a very child-like response to a Scrooge by The Hilken and Melissa Band with acclaimed singer Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) on “What’s So Bad About Christmas” and the garage rock of Boston’s premier all-female rock cover band, The Other Girls singing “I’m Not Getting Anything for Christmas.” Both are great new Xmas originals!

The Supernaturals are on their third Christmas EP, the keeper here is “I Won’t Let You Down This Xmas.” But for some anthemic Xmas pop punk, check out Greg Antista and the Lonely Streets. Another treat is The Krayolas, and Beach Boys fans will love “Giddy-up Santa.” Perfecto! But for the pissed off among us, Geoff Palmer delivers his Xmas sneer with “Merry Christmas I Fucked Your Snowman.” But I couldn’t end this with such piss and vinegar. So take a deep breath, and listen to the excellence of Music City’s “Only Home For Christmas.” And the best gift is the band has a new LP cooking for 2026.

 







The Webstirs, Glad Machine, and Vanity Mirror

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“The

The Webstirs “High Up In The Trees”

Chicago indie-rock veterans The Webstirs return for a look at life ‘High Up in the Trees.’ The wry commentary on the randomness of life is the opening pop theme “Roulette,” with a simple beat, verse, hook, and it really sticks. The bounce and uptempo “Dancing in the Sky” features some great harmonies, and a big standout is the riches to rags tale “When It’s Gone.” The Motown-like rhythm has gravitas and its soft pop chorus is loaded with soul.

The Webstirs also benefit from their unique perspective and quirk to a gem like “The Guy For You.” It also has interesting jazzy pop diversions like “K Morely.” You don’t get any fancy gloss or complicated overproduction here, but genuine personality that comes through in the music. Overall, no filler and plenty of highlights including “Reached an Understanding” and the jovial “Thrown Away.” Highly Recommended.

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“The

The Glad Machine “All the Pretty Things”

The Glad Machine is back after its stellar turn from 2022’s ‘Hey’ and brings out another short but effective EP. “Collide” has a massive expansive rock sound, and feels like an a perfect arena rock introduction, that ends way too soon. “Back to You” recalls a bit of Green Day with its sugar rush of guitar chords during the chorus. Both “So High” and “Can We Still Fall In Love This Summer” have those Jellyfish-styled harmonies and an awesome vibe.

Not everything works, “Gravity Sunshine” and “Caroline” have all the right elements, but feel a little too familiar. The title track “All The Pretty Things” feels like an awesome Lenny Kravitz outtake, and “She Said” takes things in a different direction, as it is a 6-minute plus epic power ballad. Overall, more good stuff from the Glad Machine. Highly Recommended.

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“Vanity

Vanity Mirror “Super Fluff Forever”

I really loved the retro vibes of Vanity Mirror’s debut ‘PUFF’ and it was a natural to see a more overstuffed sophomore album. Starting with “White Butterfly” its a solid psyche pop single, with just enough to keep you hooked. The style still has elements of late 60’s and early 70’s pop techniques, but done to make something totally fresh. “The Apple Tree” and “Anna M” brings to mind Emitt Rhodes in the best way. The bespoke process and vintage instruments all enhance the strong songwriting here.

Other gems include the gentle DIY folk of “Mr. Watchmaker,” “Painted Blue,” “The Dooryard Gate,” and the fun Velvet Underground influenced rocker “Jack of all Trades.” While some tunes feel too short, overall this is a  great follow up, and it demands repeat listens. Highly Recommended.

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