Dom Mariani and The High Frequencies

powerpopaholic
Dom Mariani

Dom Mariani “Apple of Life”

Australian guitarist Dom Mariani is one of the most popular musicians down under, having fronted several legendary bands like The Stems, DM3, Datura4 and The Someloves. His second solo album takes all these influences and adds very lush orchestration to his latest effort ‘Apple of Life.’ Mariani opens with “Breakaway,” a majestic Phil Spector-ish melody loaded with harmonies, and then continues on the title track. With “Apple of Life” he uses a strong rhythm, as it shimmers with those irresistible hooks. Songs opine on global anxiety with “World on Its Head” and “Sad State of Affairs.” Eventually things slow down with country-styled “Where Do Lovers Go?” adding a slide guitar flourish. This approach is also on “Take it All Back.” The melodies on the second half of the album vary stylistically from heavier rockers (“Breaking Point”) to sunny love songs (“Oh Angeline,”) and are performed with meticulous craftsmanship. Overall a highly recommended album.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

“The

The High Frequencies “The High Frequencies”

The High Frequencies is Lisa Mychols’ latest vehicle, and it fits her like a custom-tailored suit. Joined by Tom Richards, Scott Richards, and Ricky Tubb, she dives straight into high-voltage power pop with “Tonight and Every Night” and “Nothing Really Stays the Same”—both immediate, hook-loaded ear-grabbers.“See You Again” channels the punk-pop spark that made The Masticators so beloved, and the rest of the album shifts effortlessly between garage grit and new wave gloss. It’s the ideal setup for Mychols: no stylistic boxes, just a band agile enough to follow her melodic instincts wherever they lead.There’s zero filler, and the closer, “Nexus Star,” is a stunner. This is easily a contender for the year-end top ten.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Humbug, Trolley, and Parent Teacher

powerpopaholic
Humbug

Humbug “Open Season”

Los Angeles quartet, Humbug, is Alex Cubillos (Lead Guitar), Ryan Bouimad (Bass), Aidan Cole (Rhythm Guitar) and Ardem Gourdikian (Drums). A solid opener with the indie rocker “Open Season,” and Aidan Cole’s vocal has an earnest quality similar to Ray Davies here. “Quit With Suzy” and “Barbara Says” continues the anxiety fueled observations with a great hooks.

Cubillos’ arrangements are compact and personal here, especially the ballad “I Know the Story.” At times, a Weezer-like burst of energy comes out like on “Nina” and “Galaga,” and these are super enjoyable to listen to. Overall, Open Season, bursts through the noise with gritty authenticity and an infectious energy that commands attention. Highly recommended, and it’s a rare Bancamp freebie (while it lasts)! Don’t miss it!

Amazon

Trolley

Trolley “A Carnival Of Grey & White”

Milwaukee’s long-running power-pop band Trolley release A Carnival of Grey and White, their fifth full-length—and it retains the band’s trademark blend of psych-tinted jangle, punchy Mod-era pop, but there’s a deeper emotional undercurrent this time. Midway through making the album, guitarist/vocalist/producer Mike Perotto passed away, a loss that could’ve scrapped the project entirely.

Instead, Paul J. Wall and Terry Hackbarth pushed forward, layering Mike’s songs with a sense of purpose that sharpens the band’s already urgent sound. The opening title track crackles with vibrant energy, and the following songs contain all the ingredients that made Trolley a vibrant band. All three band members are featured vocally, their performance carries a reflective edge on “Father Time (Will Take)” and the mid-tempo “Starlight.” Overall, an album that deserves to be heard.

Amazon

“Parent

Parent Teacher “Doombloomer”

NYC’s self-proclaimed pigeon-whisperer Parent Teacher delivers a lo-fi bedroom-pop set that should land well with fans of Mo Troper and anyone who appreciates DIY pop with some rough edges. The album opens on “Wild Emotion,” it’s understated vocals, fuzz-smeared guitars, everything barely hanging together—until it finally snaps to life with the excellent “Fire Door.” That track rides a chugging drum pulse and stacked harmonies that cut through the haze and show exactly what Parent Teacher is capable of when the hooks hit.

“Stepping Stone” is another keeper, a slow-burn mood piece that gradually piles on layers until it feels like the room is vibrating around you. The same immersive build shows up in “Hysterica,” where the grungier textures give the album some welcome bite. Not every choice lands, yet there’s real charm in the grit and the gloom. Check it out.

Vegas With Randolph and The Modbeats

powerpopaholic
“The

Vegas with Randolph “Drops Of Gold: The Best of Vegas With Randolph”

I’ve been covering Vegas With Randolph since 2008, so this career-spanning Drops Of Gold feels like catching up with old friends—and discovering just how much they’ve grown. This compilation distills years of their hook-crammed, melodic power pop into a single place: greatest hits, fan favorites, and several digital bonus tracks, all bundled together.

From the first moments you hear “The Better Part” with those signature harmonies and bright guitar choruses, you’re reminded why VWR are one of my favorite bands. There’s no shortage of smart craftsmanship here—songs that sound effortless but carry the weight of experience. Tracks from their best albums ‘Above The Blue’ through ‘The Future Store’ are represented, and what stands out is how the band’s core strengths remain intact as their sound matured. With 34 tracks total, you always risk flattening the rough edges that made the band special in the first place. But what I hear is that these guys are having a great time playing together, particularly on tunes that sound like a non-punk version of Bowling With Soup mixed with Fountains of Wayne. Songs like “N.S.A.,” “Women in Airports,” and “The Girl Holding Out For Me” are all great examples of this.

‘Drops Of Gold’ is a solid retrospective—proof that Vegas With Randolph haven’t just been churning out songs; they’ve been refining their craft the whole time. For old fans, it’s confirmation of why you kept listening, especially the great new bonus tracks like “Perfect Silences.” For new listeners? It’s a great introduction to a band with genuine power-pop heart. Super highly recommended.

Amazon

The Modbeats

The Modbeats “Ballad of a Starving Artist”

Asbury Park’s The Modbeats have been on a roll this year, dropping one infectious single after another—and now, with ‘Ballad of a Starving Artist,’ they deliver the full payoff. This debut full-length brims with the kind of energy, wit, and melodic punch that made classic Brit-influenced power pop so timeless. It’s an album that feels both nostalgic and modern, confident in its craft and absolutely bursting with hooks.

From the opening chords, “Rocking Chair” blends sharp, chiming guitars with a swaggering “cooler-than-thou” attitude—imagine early Oasis channeling Marshall Crenshaw. Then “Fair Weather Friends” injects a bit of Beatles DNA, balancing tuneful verse with and solid chorus. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you and sticks around all day. Stylistically the band stretches out just enough to keep things fresh, from the bittersweet memories of “Shadow Oak Drive” to the driving riffs of “Frankie.” The jangling “Some Lonely Place” is another highlight, taking the spirit of the ’60s mod scene and running it through a 21st-century filter. Smart, stylish, and brimming with confidence, this is one of the year’s standout debuts. Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp | Amazon

Power Popaholic Interview: The Wellingtons

powerpopaholic

The Wellingtons

🎙️ The Wellingtons new LP “Baby Moon” reviewed here

In this in-depth conversation with Australian power-pop pioneers The Wellingtons, we dig into their evolution as a band, the creative process behind their latest material, and how they’ve navigated today’s music world with that signature melodic punch on “Baby Moon.” We talk songwriting, influences, touring life, and what keeps the spark alive after all these years.

🎧 Listen to “Baby Moon” here

Halloween Treats: Toni Cornell, Mo Troper, The Rallies, Dazy, Shake Some Action, Vista Blue

powerpopaholic


These treats are so sweet! An aquatic mermaid lair, fairy wings, a candlelit room filled with potions, and a pet lion are just a few of the fantastical aspects that add to the whimsical storyline of the “Campari” music video from popster Toni Cornell. Everyone’s favorite DIY bedroom pop producer Mo Troper is back, and you have “The Best Seat In The House” to this bouncy power pop gem. Seattle’s The Rallies compile some of their newest singles, please listen to my fave, “I Believe.” Another excellent modern power pop band Dazy has an excellent EP ready, and ‘Bad Penny’ doesn’t have a bad song, really! Another real sweet gem here is the return of the mod-influenced Shake Some Action and you are ‘Running Out of Place To Run’ so you may as well enjoy these excellent tunes.Finally, the ever lovin’ Vista Blue. This new freebie single fits today’s theme, but the band has a great tradition of baseball themed EPs, and the new one ‘The Shift Is Dead’ is a fun soundtrack to this year’s World Series. Enjoy the sugar rush, kiddies!