Ex-Jellyfish members (Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Eric Dover, and Tim Smith) finish the final piece of the triptych in Threesome Vol. 3. And there will be a Japanese release of all three EPs with some bonus material for fans, but this volume is a bit sober compared to previous EPs. Opening with “Fortunately” has the signature harmonies and melodies, as it states “no one really goes to hell,” but looks to Roger’s “New Days,” for a lush, if not slightly psych-pop epic about hope in a new era. Fans of his solo work will recognize some passages, but “You All Alone” and “In The Meantime” feel more serious, slightly prog, and feel stuffed with anxiety. Musically, it’s the strongest volume and is highly recommended. Get it now on Amazon.
Nezrok is Chris Korzen (his last name spelled backward) with a few helpers ( Fernando Perdomo and Chris DeAngelis) on this collection of smooth tunes. Sounding a little like a combination of Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan, the title track is a solidly compelling composition with a classy guitar break. The Rundgren cover of “It Takes Two To Tango” is beautifully done, as with  “St Valentine’s Day Massacre” written shortly after the tragedy of the Parkland, FL high school mass shooting. The songs are both bittersweet and oozing soul. Highly Recommended.
The duo of Jamie Hoover (The Spongetones) and Christine Martinez. “The Scene of the Cryin’” is truly magic, co-written by Catesby Jones (co-writer of “Country Club” recorded by Travis Tritt). Christine’s honey vocals are out front on “Tequila,” a light country-pop ballad. Check it out.
Boston project that’s been 8 years in the making. This is a FREEBIE with several good songs. “Stagefright” starts with a nice instrumental, but keeps your attention with a catchy chorus. “If You Say So” is part Nirvana, part Big Star and “Broken Telecaster” is loaded with emo-energy.
Another wonderful Rum Bar Records FREEBIE Compilation, but this promotes an evening concert in Somerville, MA on July 9, featuring The Dogmatics, Muck and the Mires, The Gypsy Moths, and The Shang Hi Los! Concert tickets are here
The Airport 77s embody the classic power pop spirit of 20/20, Pezband, and The Knack with a modern spin; “When you’re kissing on me do you think of James McAvoy?” is a great tune that simply rocks with both attitude and desperation. “I mean, I get it — he rocks your world…” implores lead singer Andy Sullivan.
The anthemic “All The Way” has a touch of Cheap Trick in its DNA and it’s all about making that special moment memorable. A good cover of the Bram Tchaikovsky hit “Girl of My Dreams” fits right in with the band’s style. “Bad Mom!” is another highlight, with a jagged new wave rhythm, great bass line, and lyrics that obsess about that MILF in the PTA. The band really delivers lyrically and musically. Highly recommended.
Punk pop stalwarts The Cheep Cassettes recalls The Buzzcocks and Ramones, with its catchy garage riffs and rough-hewn vocals courtesy of lead songwriter Charles Matthews. The title track bobs along with gusto, and a fantastic guitar break before the final verse. “Only Lovers” and “Lil Bit Everyday” are great in-your-face tunes that stick, especially the latter, with a great hook in the chorus. As a bonus, we get some live tracks including The Replacements “Valentine.” Highly Recommended.
Those ex-Jellyfish boys (Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Tim Smith, and Eric Dover) are back! After the highly anticipated and well-received Threesome Vol.1, the band’s follow up is more of the same. Opening with the spacey “Do You Feel Better?” with sweet
 highly recommended.
It’s been almost 30 years since former Jellyfish bandmates Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Eric Dover, and Tim Smith worked together on Split Milk (1993) but they’ve been teasing a semi-reunion for several months now. Well, the wait is over, and the three are now under the name The Lickerish Quartet. While it isn’t Jellyfish, it will be close enough for most fans of the revered cult power-pop band. Manning told me that there are no big egos in this project and the trio equally contributes to all the songs here.
The spritely “Fadoodle” starts the EP and it’s the most Jellyfish like tune here, a Dover-written gem that bounces along with lustful glee. Manning’s “Bluebird’s Blues” is next, a mid-tempo ballad that has all the layered sonic details building as it slowly veers into Jellyfish land toward’s the song’s end. “There Is a Magic Number” is distinctly different, a slower tune with twangy guitar and swirling synths. The EP ends on a 6 minute plus epic “Lighthouse Spaceship.” With a commanding glam guitar riff and a memorable melody in the chorus, it almost heads into Imperial Drag territory, before the piano coda fades in and the psychedelic details build-up towards a satisfying end, including a little “I am The Walrus” styled chorus at the fade. Overall a smartly detailed EP that will have fans salivating for more. Makes my top EP list for 2020, and Highly Recommended!
Despite some technical difficulties, I was able to speak with Roger about the new band, and the challenges of making this EP. Plus a preview of what’s coming next after Threesome, Vol. 1 including his next solo EP. Hopefully, the audio player will load below…
