Tag: Smash Palace

Ice Cream Hands, Smash Palace, and Seth Timbs

powerpopaholic
“Icecream

Icecream Hands “Giant Fox Pineapple Tree”

Icecream Hands have been an Australian institution since 1992, and here they aim to make another statement LP similar to 2020’s ‘No Weapon But Love.’ The themes of gratitude and hope are all over this one, “Leaving Nobody Out” is a fine theme about inclusion and “Mercy” is all about self care. And while the band still has those melodic gifts, they don’t quite hit the highs of the last LP. Still this remains a highly recommended album, highlights include; “Do Ya Feel It” and “Here and Now.”

Kool Kat Musik


““Smash

Smash Palace “87”

The number “87” refers to the year the band’s sophomore album on Epic Records should have come out. Things fell apart back then, and the band continued on indie labels after 1999 — but these “lost” songs finally get their due 38 years later, with brothers Stephen and Brian Butler leading the charge. While they are a long way from the debut hit “Living On The Borderline,” the songs here would’ve been a solid sequel. Opening with “Bitter Blue,” it’s a strong tune that has some great jangle and “I’ll Be There” has plenty of great solid riffs and a catchy chorus. Many songs have elements of the 80s era, particularly “Centipede” and “Along For The Ride,” which have percussive echoes. “Stranger Than Strange” is another noteworthy song that uses small chord changes to create a dramatic effect. You’ll appreciate this if you like mid-80s rock or are a fan of Smash Palace.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


“Seth

Seth Timbs “Idle Hands”

Nashville songwriter Seth Timbs (Fluid Ounces) has been compared to Ben Folds in the past, but his distinctive style is of a warmer persona. The infectious hooks of “You Don’t Want To Go To The Dance” sets the stage, and there are plenty other highlights here. The light strums of “Upstate Girl” has some clever lyrics, and “Half Life” feels like an earnest Billy Joel homage. Most songs are mostly sparsely produced piano, but I really enjoyed the easy pop of “Everything’s a Joke To You” and soulful ballad “Hesitation.” Timbs gift for melody is always worth the price of admission. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

September singles and more: Vegas With Randolph, Icecream Hands, Smash Palace, dt’s, Elena Rogers, The Whiffs, Joe Giddings

powerpopaholic


Midway through September and I’m falling way behind, but some great things are brewing. Vegas With Randolph is giving us a massive “Greatest Hits” album with several new tracks, and “Perfect Silences” is one of them. Keep your eyes peeled! More great bands are returning, including the great Icecream Hands from Melbourne, Austrailia going “Back On The Road” and the venerable Smash Palace with “Bitter Blue.” But its not all album previews, as New Jersey’s dt’s have an energetic melody with “Sun Shines Down.” Look out for more from these dudes! Multi-instrumentalist Elena Rogers is back with another A/B side with some help from Jamie Hoover (Spongetones), check out the jaunty “9 Lives.” Despite the tease of the title and cover, The Whiffs do not cover Devo. But it’s the finest garage power pop you’ll hear with an entire EP in a single track. And surprise! Joe Giddings follow up to this year’s super recommended album ‘Stories With Guitars’ is here already! Check out “Stay in Nowhere.” More reviews coming soon!






Smash Palace and Geoff Palmer

powerpopaholic
Smash Palace

Smash Palace “21”

The Butler brothers Stephen and Brian are back for “21” and once again it’s a stellar example of pop musicianship. With the aid of Cliff Hillis (Starbelly), David Uosikkinen (The Hooters), Greg Maragos (Quickstep John), and Wally Smith, they help give the band a fresh, crisp sound.

“Then She Disappeared” opens with tight harmonies and an easy-going chorus with a fantastic baseline leading the way. The mid-tempo rocker “Travel Into Light” brings to mind classic CSN with its memorable hook and soulful guitar break. The songs are allowed to grow organically, so less of the quick three-minute pop gems that the band is famous for, although the layered “Dart in My Heart” with its slide guitar flourishes do just fine. The band still mines from the Beatles/Kinks book of influences as the dream-like “Upside Down World” and “Mr. Maybe” are pure delights. The richer, lush rock sound is part of “Enjoy The View,” a well-written call to seize the day while you can. Overall a highly recommended album by a veteran band that is similar to expensive whiskey. Smooth and satisfying.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Geoff Palmer

Geoff Palmer “Charts & Graphs”

Geoff Palmer (The Connection) continues his evolution after the fantastic Pulling Out All The Stops. The punk-pop of “Many More Drugs” and “Don’t Be” are fun tunes with a wry sense of humor akin to Bowling For Soup or Green Day. Geoff carves out an even better track with “This Monkey,” a catchy gem that seems both pensive and apprehensive simultaneously.  “Tomorrow” is a more reflective tune, that looks back on a wild youth, and it’s another winner.

After a brief respite of mid-tempo rockers, it bounces to the catchy “Jammed Up” which has a terrific harmonic-guitar break midway through. The speedy tempo returns on the foibles of being a musician on “A Hard Day’s Life” which riffs on Dylan lyrically (“The answer ain’t blowin’ in the wind”) and the Western-themed plea “What Would Paul Westerberg Do?” The entire album breezes by and deserves multiple spins to really appreciate. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Ruler and Smash Palace

powerpopaholic
Tommy Lorente

Ruler “Winning Star Champion”

Ruler is the project of Seattle-based singer and songwriter Matt Batey, a seasoned veteran of Seattle’s music scene. The debut full-length album Winning Star Champion starts with “Petrified” a song about dealing with anxiety about the future punctuated by a strong beat and strong layered vocals in the chorus. The title track is another ode to self-doubt and fear of failure set to a catchy indie rock chorus.

The production and composition of the first 4 tunes are all very strong, “Cars and Houses” is another standout single with a buzzing riff about travel on the road. The style is modern indie rock, and it reminded me of Paul Westerberg’s early solo work, especially when we get to the jangling melody on “Unhindered Pace.” Matt manages to shift gears to mid-tempo effectively on “The Cure” and I didn’t hear any filler here. Overall, Ruler is an impressive new talent who’s highly recommended.

Amazon

Smash Palace

Smash Palace “Right As Rain” EP

Philly brothers Stephen and Brian Butler are once again joined by longtime bandmates Fran Smith Jr. on bass and drummer David Uosikkinen (of the Hooters) and Cliff Hillis on guitar and Wally Smith on keyboards. And just like that, Smash Palace returns with another EP that’s just as tight as Some Kind of Magic.

It starts with the jangling “It Happened To Me” as it lays down a memorable chorus and “Love Light Shining” is like a lost McCartney single. It adds a little Americana on “Heart of A Loving Man” as a message to your girl to “come back home,” with a smooth guitar solo during the break. The finale “Love Surrounds You Now” is an epic melody that echoes Tom Petty with some great harmonies. Don’t miss this one, it’s highly recommended!

Amazon | CD Baby

The Power Popaholic Interview: Stephen Butler of Smash Palace

powerpopaholic

I was lucky to get an interview with Stephen Butler of The Smash Palace. We talked about the new release “Some Kind of Magic” and please ignore my ignorance about the order of album releases, as I was pointed out that “Extended Play” and “Live at The Auction House” came out before the last full LP “Do It Again”. We’ve been covering Smash Palace for years and we hope they continue to make great music.