Early August singles and premieres: Kerosene Stars, Lily Frost, Vegas With Randolph, Matt Steele, Sharp Class, Phil Thornalley, Late Cambrian

Kerosene Stars

It’s the World Premiere of Kerosene Stars’ single “Stay Low” a rich anthemic slice of rock with a marching rhythm that builds with each verse, as grand as anything Oasis has ever done. This is followed by the impressive “Don’t Follow Me,” a dense guitar texture is met by echoing vocals and distortion, and even a Dick Dale-styled interlude!

Toronto singer/songwriter Lily Frost releases “Seagull,” from her upcoming LP Decompression, and it’s impossible to ignore with its driving beat and layered harmonies. Power pop favorites Vegas With Randolph is back with the compelling “Shake The Cage” and love those horn flourishes! Matt Steele has a deceptively catchy bedroom pop hit here with “Vintage Photo Filter,” which just grows on you with each chorus. Nottingham blokes Sharp Class kicks some ass with “Tales of A Teenage Mind,” as it marries the buzzsaw riffs with Oliver Orton’s cheeky punk vocals. And we have some neat video singles too; Phil Thornalley‘s “Fast Car” is a loving homage to Jeff Lynne’s style that sticks in your head, and Late Cambrian is back with a skater’s perfect theme “The Last Wave” is off the upcoming LP, Future Snacks. Mmm, Tasty!





Late Cambrian and Andy & Jason Reed

The Creachies

Late Cambrian “Sweet Cambrian High”

Brooklyn band Late Cambrian continues to weave magical electro-pop with its dance-friendly melodies. In fact, it stands out with superb arrangements and clean production.

The jangling “Girl Bag Holder” has a moody synth melody with a killer chorus that begs to “Party All Night!” Lead singer/songwriter John Wlaysewski does great things with beats and rhythm on “Yearbook Photo” and “Thanks For Your Time” while delivering a solid musical narrative and melodies that other bands (like Weezer) would envy.

The rising angst on “Dark Heart” is another big highlight. Olive’s vocals take over on the catchy “Common Enemy” and unlike most electro-pop, this is very accessible. A fine stream of reality comes through on “Missed Connections” as John describes his old neighborhood. Then check out the lovely layered harmonies on “Hollywood.” Once again, no real filler here as this album is a real grower that deserves multiple listens. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Andy Reed

Andy Reed & Jason Reed “Make Your Move” EP

The talented Andy Reed teams up with his brother Jason to deliver this debut EP. “The Longest Pause” is a lonely mid tempo ballad that features some good harmonies and an emotional ending. The music isn’t quite the same style as Andy’s earlier solo work, but it’s still a compelling listen.

“Left to Right” is has angular melody with some nice guitar accents after each verse. “The Welcoming Song” and “Find My Way Back Home” both start out in a foggy haze, but the songs form fully after minute in, with some dramatic musical effects. The 80’s styled rocker “Make Your Move” closes things with Jason leading the vocal for this one. Overall a good start for the Reed brothers. Check it out.

Amazon

New Music that needs your support!

Last month I took down the old “Help an Artist” page on the site and decided to add these pledge opportunities as regular posts, where they would get more exposure anyway. Well now we have 3 new projects that deserve your attention.

cliff hillis

Cliff Hillis has a new campaign for his upcoming E.P. “Song Machine” under way. Lots of goodies for contributors including Blue vinyl, CD, download & much more! Check it out at http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/cliffhillis

late_cambrian

Late Cambrian is presently in the mixing stages for their forthcoming album. It’s called “Golden Time” and is being partially funded by their Pre-Order Campaign. You could even get “The Scream of Destiny” for a price! Visit http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/latecambrian

The YouTube ID of oGfA0tQLX4Y?list=UU29XN6xhKMmgktFzRgFR8Ag is invalid. The first solo album from Maple Mars and Ruby Free frontman Rick Hromadka needs funding for mastering and duplication! Okay so he titles this pledge “Another Idiot Frontman Goes Solo,” but Rick is no idiot and I can’t wait to hear his latest. Visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/another-idiot-frontman-goes-solo

Late Cambrian and Street Corner Symphony

Late Cambrian “Peach”
A trio of Brooklyn alternative rockers has a winner here with the opener “Lover’s Point.” Its got  fast paced verses and a shiny Strokes-like chorus. Heavy guitars open “The Label Needed A Single” like Sugar Ray meeting up with The Plain White Tees. Lots of energy, real-life narrative and layered instrumentation make this a fun listen.

I also liked the riff work on “The Wolf,” with its rhythm similar to The Bangles’ “Walk Like An Egyptian.” The popular single “Ryan Gosling” is included here, easily the most danceable tune on the LP. No real filler amongst the 13 tracks, even though the melodies on the first half are better. The band even manages to indulge with the instrumental “Hypgnotica/Afternoon Special.” Ends with a strong melody in “The Luddite” and the interplay of the male vocalist/guitarist John and female voclaist/keyboardist O is magical. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Bandcamp

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Street Corner Symphony “Southern Autumn Nostalgia”
Here is a talented a cappella pop group based out of Nashville, Tennessee that won acclaim in NBC’s all-vocal competition, The Sing-Off. The group starts out smoothly with the jazzy gospel inspired “Voodoo.” It gets even better with “Little Old Me,” its Wilsonesque-syled harmonies and its “ba-ba-ba” choral break. Fans of The Sonic Executive Sessions will love this.

“Loves A Loser” is similar to a Bleu ballad with its prayer-like sighs and another highlight is “Frozen In Time” with its slick hook and polished production. “Picturing You” and “Myriad Of Stars” are fine vocal ballads, each band members voice is so similar to each other you’d be hard pressed to tell who is doing the lead. The only big misfire is the ending combo of “Sicut Tempus Fugit” and “Dragon Rider” which together sounds like a pretentious remake of Spinal Tap’s “Stonehenge.” But for fans of great harmonies it’ll be enough.

Amazon LP due out in July.