Tag: Late Cambrian

October Non-Halloween singles and EPs: Maura Weaver, Corin Ashley, Brad Marino, Late Cambrian, Webstirs, Future Teens

powerpopaholic


Maura Weaver’s ‘Strange Devotion’ came out last month, but feels more appropriate for Halloween. Especially the single “The Face,” shown in this video. High quality indie pop that deserves more attention here! Also back is Corin Ashley with his new EP, check out the pop goodness of “Empathy Centre” and my fave here, “Monkey.”  Rocker Brad Marino needs no “Voodoo” to get me interested in his fantastic riffs, always a welcoming sound. Late Cambrian is back with a quirky indie pop gem “Into The Lilac Tree.” It’s got great chord shifts and Olive’s amazing vocal floating behind the swirling melody. John Wlaysewski’s layered composition is really impressive here. It’s been a long time since I heard from Chicago’s Webstirs, but this new tune is a good sign that I will enjoy their new album. Finally, Future Teens have very meme-aware lyrics on “Adjust Failure” about future anxiety and seems perfect for these times. A standout line; “I’m not getting any younger and it’s clear to me now.” Next week, bring out yer dead, or some candy!




Singles Late June: John Larson and The Silver Fields, Late Cambrian, The Dogmatics, Friends of Cesar Romero, Star Circus, The Jive

powerpopaholic

John Larson and The Silver Fields has a new album out called ‘Rumble Candy’ and, we feature the video for “Turnaround, Girl” one of the better tunes here. Fans of rock and roll jangle should check it out! Late Cambrian was looking to make happy music for the zombie flick “28 Year Later,” it’s an awesome tune, even if it doesn’t match the movies tone. On the harder track, we have The Dogmatics punk-pop of “You’ve Got What I Want” and it speeds through our headphones quick. Friends of Cesar Romero is sounding more like Sloan on it’s new freebie – check out “Summer Boyfriend” and “Rebound Baby.” Star Circus is a band that walks the line between power pop and stadium hard rock. Influenced by Queen, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick and Def Leppard, it works nicely. The new album is ‘From The Wreckage’ and I’ve inclined to get it based on this single, visit the Bandcamp page for more. Finally, along the same lines The Jive is another strong power pop band with a hard rock edge. Check out “Good Time Call” and you’ll see what I mean. So these hot bands should help you cool off!





August singles: The Burkharts, Stray Arcade, Late Cambrian, Hubbell Benson, Strange Neighbors, The Junipers

powerpopaholic


August is here, and the heat continues. The Burkharts (from Buffalo, NY) strike California retro pop gold with “Always On The Run.” Another band I recently “found” is Stray Arcade, and I “Can’t Complain” about the music – but I want to hear more. Late Cambrian returns with a compelling pop-rock-prog confection that’s loaded with style. If you’re looking for funky pop freebies, we have Hubbell Benson, a New Jersey artist with serious chops. Listen to the pop with jazz flourishes on “Except for Him” and “Need Someone?” Strange Neighbors continues to impress with the single “Crush.” Finally, The Junipers retro-pop sunshine returns with “She Looked Up at the Stars.” Play this on a hot day, and you too can be cool.




February singles are here: Flying Underground, Late Cambrian, Extra Arms, Real Estate, Willie Dowling, François Premiers

powerpopaholic


I am still finding lots of great music that shouldn’t be swept under the rug because it’s a new year. Flying Underground is a terrific Cincinnati, Ohio band that deserves your attention with its debut album. The video above has really good sound and showcases Kelly McCracken’s great lead vocal. My friends, Late Cambrian have modified their sound on “Late Bloomer” to have a more melodic vibe, and I love it. Extra Arms is back with a bunch of strong riffs on its new single, “Gates of Steel.” The band Real Estate has a new album coming out, and what I hear so far is excellent songwriting. We still have a freebie for you with Willie Dowling‘s “The Simpleton,” a cool narrative of a protagonist, and dig that piano solo midway through! French band François Premiers has a glammy gem with the “Salamander Shuffle,” and that riff just sticks in your head. Great music continues!



EP Reviews: Late Cambrian, Michael Simmons, The Glad Machine, Mom, Los Andes, The Legal Matters

powerpopaholic

Lately, there has been so much good music in my inbox that I simply can’t put both singles and EPs together in a single post so…. here are my favorite EPs for September.

Late Cambrian have always been a unique blend of pop, dance, and experimental rock without sounding artificial. Future Snacks starts with the synth-blended “The Last Wave,” but comes up with a plenty of compelling melodies, like the bouncy “Its Always Something” and multi-tracked harmonies of “Sydney Sweeney.”

Michael Simmons, the super talent behind Sparkle*Jets U.K. has a lot on his plate. He has a massive group of covers called Singing In My Heart, but even better is his musical versions of rare Dutch power pop band Darryl-Ann’s singles. Each track of Happy Traum is a winner. Pure magic, so don’t miss it.

The Glad Machine goes full throttle on power pop, and fans of The Posies, Jellyfish, and Velvet Crush will appreciate the catchy “San Francisco” and the looser guitar on “Baby It’s You.” Not a bad track here, swirling guitar riffs of “Virginia” rule the day. One of the best EPs of the year among a crop of treasures.

UK-based Mom has been pumping out catchy 70’s inspired guitar nuggets every few months, and fans of The Ramones, The Cars, and The Rubinoos will dig this one. Highlight here is “To The Beat” and “Now Until Forever.”

Buenos Aires-based Los Andes has the formula down, and “Julie” featuring Xoel Lopez will hook you even if you don’t “hablar español”. The band also pulls the talents of legendary musicians Lukah Boo, Star Trip, and Hank Idory. No filler and gorgeous musicianship that proves power pop is much loved beyond the borders of the USA. Bravo!

Your token FREEBIE, The Legal Matters give you a Trapper Keeper stuffed with beautiful covers of their favorite tunes. Big Star’s “When My Baby’s Beside Me” and Teenage Fanclub’s “Don’t Look Back” are my faves here.