The debut single “Hate Yourself” by Nashville’s Lost Hearts is radio ready gem with a swaggering rock n’ roll attitude. Max Frye’s vocals are set against a pounding guitar background and relentless energy as he sings about a toxic relationship with a former partner. Next, Novelty Island is one of those bands on the cusp of greatness (and another LP) but we have a single “Eureka, I Can See!” that will tide us over. The Blakes released some out-takes that are so good, I wonder why we haven’t heard more, as “What You Own” kicks ass. Everet Almond has discovered a very groovy Clavinet on the cool single “Insanity,” and veteran band Canadian Invasion delivers a nice freebie, Your Favorite Lies EP. I really liked “The Charms of Adeline” with its pedal steel guitar. And finally, Dazy is back with another EP of fuzz-drenched goodness called Otherbody. Check out “Every Little Thing,” “ESTAO,” in fact this is good all around. Don’t be an April’s Fool, and get this fresh batch!
Does power pop meet shoegaze? Dazy does it effortlessly with a dense fuzz that would make Bob Mould blush, but with melodies that stick with you faster than a Sugar rush. The theme here is letting your feeling out, as he asks “Is that my brain hanging by a thread?” on the title track. The buzzing riffs and feedback dominate each short track, and most are under 2 minutes.
“On My Way” recalls classic Green Day with its monster riffs, but the standout here is “Rollercoaster Ride,” a big metaphor and an even bigger melody that hooks you quickly. “Deadline” boasts harmonies over the fuzz, then “Choose Yr Ramone” pokes fun at the band itself as lead singer James Goodson states “Roll your eyes and clap your hands. Laughing at the cover bands.” But it’s the anthemic choruses here that are the point, and it’s a great ride. We get off at the quieter breather “Inside Voice,” but overall a terrific new band. Highly Recommended.
With a nondescript cover and release this past summer, I honestly missed this one. Didn’t see Ryan Allen’s name, but holy crap the Extra Arms are his main band. And they are firing on all cylinders here. Detroit’s prominent power pop band takes the country’s anxieties and puts it all to melodic rock gold. The digital starting tones lead to “Fun Guy” a fast-paced, energetic rocker that takes no prisoners. The band leans hard on the heavy side of Fountains of Wayne as far as lyric and melodic sense.
“Big Dogs” continues the party, with big riffs hitting targets, with a call-and-response coda. Then “Falling into Place” recalls Superdrag and Guided By Voices with its dense hard rock rhythm. Earlier this year, COVID had Ryan trapped in his house, working from home, and the Cars-like “Feeling Alright” answers those Cabin Fevered questions. Overall a great album, with Ryan’s foot on the gas for all ten tracks. It could’ve used a breather (or ballad) toward the end. But it still makes my top ten list for 2022.
