The Toms “Sound Bytes”
Tom Marolda makes it all looks so easy; another year another album for this prolific artist. The Tom’s newest comes out of the gate with a real classic gem “Summer Without You,” loaded with hooks and an easy to love melody. Other highlights include “Multiple Personality,” “One Day, “She Can’t Let It Go.” If you’ve always liked The Toms, this sticks to what he does best for the most part. It loses a bit of momentum the later half, but the fun, loose “Houseflies Hum in the Key of F” is another gem. Highly Recommended.
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The Gnomes “Introducing… The Gnomes”
Aussie bands have made a huge splash this year in power pop, and Melbourne’s The Gnomes are no exception. Lead by musician Jay Millar, this debut album is loaded with tight rhythms and catchy melodies with a forceful, garage-styled edge. From the opening of “Better With You” it just floors you with its energy. This and other songs like it are designed for live performance, and it brings to mind the early albums of The Connection. The album rides on riff crunching guitars and an obvious love for classic power pop sounds, as “I’ll Be There” channels early Beatles energy. The further we go, the fuzzier we get too. “Open Your Eyes” and “Flippin’ Stomp” have its DNA in the late sixties beat movement. “Stung” slow things down into a churning psych-pop swirl, and Kinks-like “I Like It” round out the sound. No filler. Anywhere. It’s a top ten contender!
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Tony Molina “On This Day”
San Francisco-based band Tony Molina has been know for making short, quick catchy songs – usually a single chorus. Here the songs are shorter and sweeter than usual. The “FC ’23” is a gentle jangling theme, followed by a piano based “Faded Holiday.” And so it goes, classical guitar interrupted by occasionally a fuzzy “Have It Your Way.” The frustration here is that I wish some of these songs hit the 2 min. mark. Highlights for me “Broken Down,” “Living Wrong,” and “Don’t Belong” which highlight Tony’s Byrdsian influence. Like detailed demo sketches, it’s very pleasant but leaves you wanting more.
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Ronnie D’Addario “Written By”
Ronnie D’Addario (Papa Twig) shows us a tribute album of sorts. The Lemon Twigs (Brian and Michael D’Addario) looked to record some of their dad’s favorite songs and a few unreleased demos. What started as a Lemon Twigs project grew, with lots of guest stars contributing. Some real magic here as the boys doing justice to “A Very Short Dream,” “Not Today” and “5th of July.” The guest spots are a mixed bag, but it’s wonderful to hear Darian Sanahaja (Wondermints) with the inspirational groove of “Be Like Him.” Plus the lovely harmonies of Matt Jardine on “Don’t Wait For Yesterday.” Another highlight is Ronnie having fun doing his best Elvis on “If I Were You.” Overall, Highly Recommended.
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