Tag: Brad Marino

Erik Voeks and Brad Marino

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Erik Voeks & The Ghosters “It Means Nothing Now”

There’s always at least one artist a year who swoops in at the last minute to make a great impression on me. This year, that artist was Erik Voeks and The Ghosters. Voeks has been a tireless DIY musician making his music for many years, but this time he’s collaborated with a band, and the result is pure pop magic.

The general theme here is the ephemeral nature of all things. Both Voeks and guitarist Juan Ferrari do a masterful job together. The title track “It Means Nothing Now” is an incredible opener, with the jangle layered on top of relaxed harmonies akin to classic bands like The Byrds or America. “Hazy Maze” is another gem about the passing of time online and the endless photos that generate money for social media companies. “Everything Dissolves” chorus soars and is another gem.

The jaunty angled riffs of “Hieronymus” about a visit to Madrid perfectly describe a tourist’s mood, and then the chiming riffs of “The Most Confusing Part” are akin to classic Elvis Costello. “Suck It Up, Buttercup” starts with a T-Rex riff about the state of the political abyss and “we should’ve seen it coming.” The combination of excellent guitar breaks and wry lyrics on “It Breaks You” is a great example here. The album settles into a consistent groove without a single note of filler. And when it rocks out, like on “Love You Anyway,” it’s just irresistible. There are too many highlights to mention here, and it’s not only highly recommended; this makes my top ten of 2023 list!

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Brad Marino

Brad Marino “Grin and Bear It”

Grin and Bear It is the title of Brad Marino’s new album, which features 12 songs that encompass Rock n’ Roll, Punk Rock, and Power Pop. There are moments in life when you simply have to give up and accept the situation. His ability to write great new music using the classic rock and roll template is really impressive.

In addition, Brad gladly collaborates with his fellow “New England Mafia” (Kurt Baker, Geoff Palmer, and Zack Sprague) on all manner of songs. The sound of The Connection lives through Brad on “Back Again” and the Baker-penned “Hung Up.” The title track is always about letting things slide: “Who cares what they say about you…” It’s also characterized by a jagged and halting rhythm that captures your attention. The beauty here is that Brad adds his blues-rock touches to songs like “Another Sad and Lonely Night” (a Bobby Fuller cover), and he also covers The Rolling Stone’s “(She’s) Doing Her Thing” and “Monkey Man!” Not a bad track in the bunch. Highly Recommended.

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All Star End of August Singles: Geoff Palmer, Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., Chris Price, Brad Marino, Thomas Walsh, Sofa City Sweetheart

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Not everything comes out on Bandcamp, and I have to recognize that some of the biggest players in power pop also use YouTube. Geoff Palmer (The Connection) is prepping a new album with Ramones-like “Give It Up,” and it sounds fantastic. Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (Lickerish Quartet, Jellyfish) gets back to basics on “I’m Starting A Band” and is joined by the great Chris Price on “Rockin’ It Our Way.” Geoff’s ex-bandmate Brad Marino is also doing some damage with the new single “Lucy.” Thomas Walsh (Pugwash) has “A Good Day For Me” that doesn’t stray far from his band’s roots, still as melodic as ever. Finally, Sofa City Sweetheart offers a bright sunny gem in “It Wasn’t You” a love song that isn’t quite that, but what a vibe here. With September almost here, we’ll soon say goodbye to summer and move into the busiest month for music releases. Stay tuned!




June singles: The Diners, Wesley Fuller, Brad Marino, The Gypsy Moths, Pretty, Ex-Norwegian

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You wouldn’t know it was summer in NYC with that Canadian smoke cloud hovering, but the music certainly says so. The Diners are a new band, the combo of Blue Broderick and fellow songwriter Mo Troper. Paste Magazine compared the new single “The Power” to Big Star and the Raspberries, so I’m all ears here. It’s been a few years since I’ve heard Melbourne-based power pop boy wonder Wesley Fuller, and he sounds even better than before, going “Back to Square One.” Brad Marino reads off his record collection, and I could listen all day. The Gypsy Moths sing about a classic Coney Island Amusement park, with cool sax blasting away. If you want more noise distortion with your rock, give Pretty a listen. It settles down into a Cramps meets Soundgarden vibe which is kinda nice. Finally, Ex-Norwegian talks about a “Real Bad Bunny,” but he’s not talking about this guy, right? I like the B-side “Send Nudes” even better!





Lucky Late March EPs and Singles: Emilia Suárez, The Krayolas, The Downhauls, Orbis Max, The Dollyrots, Brad Marino, J. Matthews

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Sometimes a modern ballad just gets the romantic in me. Emilia Suárez‘s new single “Timing” hits that soft spot in your heart. She is both singing and acting in the new movie A Good Person, alongside Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman. Next, the Tex-Mex Beatles (aka The Krayolas) have a freshly remastered release including a cover of The Monkees‘ “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” And speaking of covers The Downhauls do a neat cover of “Hazy Shade of Winter” written by Paul Simon, but it always sounded better with a female vocal (The Bangles). The emotional “R U OK” is an easy-going collaboration by Orbis Max and Lisa Mychols featuring Ed Ryan. Adding some great power pop energy is The Dollyrots “Hey Girl” which is a great “curious” theme. Brad Marino (The Connection) has opened the vaults at Rum Bar Records and let loose a Slab O’ Wax. That’s 19 tracks of his best rock and roll for you. We end with another newcomer, J. Matthews with a thoughtful “Wanderlust” single. And… exhale.







The Dowling Poole and Brad Marino

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Dowling Poole

Dowling Poole “Refuse”

The duo known as Dowling Poole delivers selections from a few previously released EPs, and other digital sources. Willie Dowling and Jon Poole injected more politics into the subject matter for these tunes, and they remain very effective. “The Strawman” is a magnificent opener about political corruption, and in direct contrast is “Miles Checks Out” with its breezy verses and carnival-style cadence.

The band goes out of its way to avoid the typical verse-chorus structure, like on “Bright Spark” and gives us both elegance and whimsy on “Push Repeat.” Over the years the influence of XTC has waned and Sparks has increased with this band. That may be a challenge for some, so if you’re looking for simple melodies, go elsewhere. Otherwise, highly recommended.

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Brad Marino

Brad Marino “Basement Beat”

Brad Marino (The Connection) has a new obsession with The Ramones. He’s composed an entire album of music that sounds like The Ramones. The music is simple three-chord manna, under 2 minutes each, and when it works it’s a lot of fun. Songs like “Communist Creep” and “Spy for the BBI” have enough of a hook to get you boppin’ your head.

However, some songs just sound way too similar, or songs with all verse-no-chorus like “Dream Last Night.” While I appreciate the love, this only made me want to listen to Rocket To Russia. Recommended for Brad Marino fans, others may want to start with Even The Score.

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