Tag: Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk and Keys

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“Tamar

Tamar Berk “ocd”

Tamar Berk’s newest album, ‘ocd’, is her most polished effort yet, combining luxurious production, lyrical depth, and shoegaze sounds. As the title implies, the album delves deeply into the repeating, nervous thought patterns that characterize obsessive thinking. Berk’s greatest strength is her emotional honesty. Her cooing voice calms the tumult, and her production choices keep the songs warm and real, even when the subjects are bleak.

That said, ‘ocd’ isn’t always as memorable musically as it is thematically. Several songs lack the sharp hooks that would bring listeners back for repeat spins, however it does beat true to it’s own slowcore drum, like the laidback “indiesleeze”and “I’m In The Day After.” Big highlights for me were the sharp lyrical details of “You Ruined This City for Me” with its urgent guitar lines and the hazy arrangement of “I Had a Dream I Was Lost in an Auditorium.” For listeners drawn to the emotional landscapes, ocd will feel like a mirror. For those craving sharp, replay-ready pop craft, it’s a little more uneven. Fans of Tamar will enjoy this and ultimately this highly recommended.

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“Keys

KEYS “Acid Communism”

While it’s new to me, Welsh psych-pop outfit KEYS have been making hook-driven, genre-bending music since their 2002. Two decades on, their eighth album ‘Acid Communism’ is their boldest statement yet—raw, expansive, and unafraid to push into some power pop territory.

Acid Communism embraces grit. The opener “There’s No I in Teams” erupts with energy—clattering drums, jagged guitars, shimmering keys—while “Form A Band” channels classic rock swagger. Softer turns arrive with “Your Shoes” and the impressive “The Greatest Joke of All,” written solo on piano during lockdown with a Beatles-styled catchiness. Another gem, “Poyekhali” lightens the mood before tracks like “The Spectre” steer the record into darker territory. Each song feels distinct, yet the sequencing ties them into a bigger journey, making this a great listen overall.

The title is a meditation on connection and togetherness in an age of digital detachment. As frontman Matthew Evans puts it: “ACID” is experimentation, “COMMUNISM” is community. That philosophy shapes the record’s collaborative, unfiltered spirit. Highly Recommended.

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More August Music: Tamar Berk, doubleVee, FOND, The Spongetones, Elena Rogers, Fernando Perdomo, Broken Glass Kid

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August heat continues. The talented Tamar Berk has a new video single and she’s got a new album coming up in September. doubleVee has a great EP that I want to feature here, starring Allan Vest (ex-Starlight Mints) and Barb Vest. The opening track “Submarine Number Vee Three” is a richly produced gem with strings leading a cool melody!  FOND is a heavier rocker, akin to a DIY Weezer check out “Complacent” and “Hooking Up.” They’ve got spunk to spare. I’m especially excited for the return of power pop hall-of-famers The Spongtones. They do the “Honest Work” and I can’t wait to hear the rest of the album. Next, Elena Rogers is a singer/songwriter from North Carolina with a beautiful voice and melodic skills displayed on “Song About Me” and it’s a real gem. I’ve always enjoyed Fernando Perdomo’s work, and here he’s got a rare Billy Joel tune that he put’s his stamp on. Finally, I’ve got a new item off-the-beaten-path from Broken Glass Kid, check out the moody atmosphere of “Unravel.” It’s perfect for those hot summers when you just want to cool off.





Tamar Berk and Brian Ray

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Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk “Good Times for a Change”

California artist Tamar Berk is still emerging from the grief of personal loss. “Good Impression” is a great song out of the gate, with a late 90s pop feel and layered vocals all over the chorus. The heavier guitar of “That’s Not a Lie” is very much in the mold of Matthew Sweet and is another big highlight here. Berk’s songwriting has all this nuance, as she sarcastically states, “I didn’t know we’re keeping score.” The songs become more reflective on “Book of Change” and nostalgic on “Chicago,” very much in the mold of her previous album ‘Tiny Injuries’.

The shuffling melody of “I Don’t Mind” follows Tamar searching for answers to life’s problems, and the guitar solo here is a real treat. The frantic tempo of “You Trigger Me” is a perfect anthem for anxiety and panic attacks. Some ballads get overdramatic, but others, like “I’ll Come to the Rescue,” have a real poignant confessional touch. The closer “Comin’ Around To Me Again” starts very soft and slowly ends with an epic psyche-pop coda. Overall, it’s a great therapeutic album, and I highly recommend it.

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Brain Ray

Brian Ray “My Town”

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Brian Ray has had several high-profile side gigs (Etta James, Paul McCartney), and his first solo effort, ‘Mondo Magneto’ was this blog’s very first review. Brian has moved off the power pop radar for the past 15 years, getting more toward his garage rock roots with The Bayonets, but this new album has him drifting back toward melodic rock.

As with all Brian Ray, the guitar melodies are front and center. Starting with the radio-friendly “When the Earth Was Round,” it’s a hook-filled cry of disappointment with the casual acceptance of conspiracy theories. “Got a New Thing” is another brilliant tune loaded with harmonies and a sticky riff. “Bad4U” is a tribute to all those memorable movie villains, and on “Pirate Radio,” he embraces his inner Brian May. He still incorporates blues rock into many songs, notably “Spell Breaker” with guest star Michael Des Barres. It can get a little self-indulgent, but after all this time, Brian deserves it. Highly Recommended.

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Great EPs and more: Tamar Berk, Fernando Perdomo, Summer Salt, Joe Di Zillo, Richard Turgeon

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Tamar Berk is following up on her successful ‘Tiny Injuries’ album with ‘Good Times for a Change’.  Check out the advanced single “Good Impression,” which indicates Tamar is not slowing down. Fernando Perdomo’s album “Self” is a masterful blend of introspective lyrics and lush, melodic arrangements that showcase his multi-instrumental talents. Perdomo’s intricate guitar playing and soulful vocals serve as highlights, check out “Optimist Prime.” Summer Salt has the mellowest vibe I’ve heard this summer, and “Ribbons” is a light, sunny, easy-listening gem. Chicago musician/singer-songwriter Joe Di Zillo is “Bringing It Back” with his garage style. Check it out. Finally, Richard Turgeon returns with a Nirvana-inspired single, “Song of Discontent,” and it’s pretty cool. Enjoy!





August singles and EPs: Tamar Berk, The UniBoys, The Evening Sons, Kai Danzberg, Pretty, Julez and the Rollerz

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New month, new singles, and EPs. Tamar Berk has a video for her upcoming Tiny Injuries album and it’s a grower with layered guitars and her hushed vocal, as she dances around. Coming out in another week, and yes we will review it! The UniBoys are also coming back with their skinny-tie-inspired power pop, “I Want It Too” which has so many neat audio cues, I can’t wait for the rest of this one. The Evening Sons are also on Curation Records and impress with “Superspreader,” a solid hook-filled chorus. Myles Josephh & Kai Danzberg write a lovely ballad “On My Way” for a song contest (I voted for it), pick it up. Toronto band Pretty has a funk-punk time with “Coca Cola Deathsquad,” but I liked  “Food For The Moon” and its dense Soundgarden-like chorus. Finally, the sweet rocking Julez and the Rollerz from LA, deliver on this deserving EP. Check out “Sorry I’m Just A Waste of Time” and “Confess.” Cool!