Tag: The Honeydogs
The Honeydogs and The Fuzziliers
The Honeydogs “Algebra for Broken Hearts”
Reunion albums are typically a mixed bag. However, this album marks the Honeydogs’ first recording session with their original lineup of Adam Levy, Noah Levy, Trent Norton, and Tommy Borscheid in 28 years. It’s a blend of the band’s early scrappy energy and more refined songwriting, with a variety of styles and moods. And, like 20/20’s ‘Back to California’, a complete success. The Honeydogs occupy the rare gap between alt. country and indie rock, creating a distinct sound with a multitude of influences.
The album’s opening track, “Attic Brain,” features a powerful Led Zeppelin-esque riff, and the title is a play on “addict brain” and reflects on personal issues. It changes tone to the bluesy acoustic strums of “I Don’t Wanna Fight,” and snaps back with the catchiest rocker here “Kill Switch,” it’s a terrific single that really sticks. The melodic title track has a dreamlike contemplation of the ebb and flow of time and the intricacies of existence. Other highlights include the glam-rock meets country “Captain”and “Irish Goodbye,” which delves into issues of drug-fueled dysfunctional relationships; it sounds like a cross between Cheap Trick and Motown. With no fluff whatsoever, this is a fantastic album that, with any luck, will signal the beginning of new recordings. Highly Recommended.
Fuzziliers “Most Fun”
Founded in Russia, and then moved to Istanbul, Turkey the Fuzziliers combine psychedelic rock, acid rock and Brit pop influences. The opener “CTRL” opens with a simple synth beat, but builds on it with multiple instrumentation, harmonies and finally a kick-ass guitar. The lyrics of guitarist and singer Slava Lobanov are somehow current, approachable, and lighthearted. The psyche-rock of “Most Fun” and the positive melodic groove of “Porcelain” are highlights.
“Future Society” is another mix of the melodic with the acid fuzz wah-wah pedals, described as Iron Butterfly performing Kinks songs. The bouncy “In The Morning” contrasts with the sprawling prog rock narrative of “Fake Dancer.” Overall, it’s never predictable but can dwell on some songs too long. I would definitely consider this music that deserves to be heard. If you are into diverse soundscapes, check this out.
The Honeydogs and Champagne
The Honeydogs “Love & Cannibalism”
The Honeydogs return this year, and lead dog Adam Levy (fresh off his brilliant solo LP Naubinway) unwinds a bluesy pop opener “Vermillion Billows (Shouldn’t Take It So Hard)” with a smart lead riff in the chorus and just like that, The Honeydogs are back. “Devices” has the band sounding tighter than ever, with jazz horn and funk guitar accents. Levy makes music here that is both celebratory and soulful.
“Art & Vandalism” is my favorite here, a Honeydog classic about “counting your blessings” and it has a Steely Dan-like confidence alongside its catchy melody. “Wheels” and “Left Alone” are good upbeat rockers, and “Looking Through the Sun” is another great guitar melody, so no filler here either. The Americana themed “Ordinary Legs” and Caribbean themed “Little Sister” close out this fine album, highly recommended and worthy of many repeat listens.
Champagne “Beach Closed”
Champagne is a band from Cádiz, Spain that explodes on the scene with Beach Closed. The loud opener “Tell Me Why” is a piano-guitar melody that is everything we love about power pop, from the catchy chorus to infectious guitar solo midway through. Despite the euro-accented vocals,”Visiting You” is another gem that rings true with deep riffs closer in style to Weezer or The Gigolo Aunts. It does veer into arena rock territory with “Don’t Feed The Animal” and “The Van,” but the energy level is high and songs still engage you.
“It’s Alright” is a campfire beach sing-along with a simple ukulele and guitar melody and “Where’s Barbara Ann?” is a wonderful Beach Boys themed rocker that’s my favorite here. Another terrific ear-worm is “Plastic Feelings,” with a toe tapping guitar melody and “Weller” is a nice shout out to The Jam frontman. It ends with the lovely harmonies of “Hawaii,” especially the dream-like layered ending. Highly Recommended.