April EP and Single Madness: Brad Marino, Softjaw, Phenomenal Cat, Onesie, Radio Days, Randy Klawon, Shake Some Action!


Brad Marino has the formula and it still works! His new LP “Agent of Chaos” is out (review soon) and he’s calling my bluff, just check out the video. Next, one of the strongest extended EPs I’ve heard this year is Softjaw. Similar to the Uni Boys, almost every song here is great and a text book perfect example of modern power pop. Next, another great band, Phenomenal Cat from the UK holds nothing back, this is pop art as power pop. I loved “Seatown®” and “21st Century Englishman” with its touch of psychedelic pop akin to Donovan. Brilliant stuff here that should not be missed. Tough to follow, but Onesie rocks out with this new single “Meetcha At Minnies (The Captain’s Song).” Another return is Italian band Radio Days with a new album coming soon, and we get a new single to start. “I Won’t Give Up” is a blast of energy, glad to have them back. Next Randy Klawon (Flashcubes/Half Cubes) gives us a stellar pop single “All is Fair In Love.” Finally, the retro pop of Shake Some Action! new EP “Too Many Secrets” feels like a soundtrack for a lost Austin Powers sequel. Love the atmosphere here. Yeah baby!





Late August singles: Dany Laj and The Looks, Dust Star, Orchidella, Randy Klawon, The Chords UK


Dany Laj and The Looks lean into the skinny pop style with this cool new single “Meet Me On The Floor.” “Shadow On The Hill,” Dust Star‘s newest single, was great, and it makes me want to listen to the band’s first record. Onsie has a new one, a swirling gem with many key changes, and Orchidella is a Sheffield band with a debut album, it’s first single is a catchy little tune written back in 2021. Musician Randy Klawon (The Choir, Cyrus Erie) recently contributed to the new Half-Cubes album, but his single is pretty cool too! Finally The Chords UK‘s new single remembers “Indie Disco Friday Night,” with not a single note of actual disco music (I love it). The lyrics really speak to me. Note: Last week I featured Scott Roberts’s “After We Go,” little did I know an Eytan Mirsky cover was done six years ago! Also – coming up for our long weekend is the return of Freebie Friday!