Tag: The Spindles

More singles and album previews: The Dollyrots, The Lemon Twigs, Andrew Deevey, In Loom, Quinn Hawkins, The Spindles, The Donuts

powerpopaholic


The Dollyrots continue to deliver great rock and roll, and “Attention Span” is a perfect single for our times, and the hook will get you even if you have a short attention span. And that’s not all, as The Lemon Twigs have a new album coming soon. “I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You” is the first bit of ear candy, loving those chord changes btw. Andrew Deevey is a bit more on the simpler side of the melody, but “Money Can’t Buy Me Love” works. In Loom is an experimental pop band from Amsterdam and “Tails” stood out to me, check out that bass line for this freebie. Next, Quinn Hawkins has star potential! The San Francisco artist has a new solo album out and it has a some great songs on it, like the XTC-ish “Souvenir in The Dirt.” Quinn deserves a deeper look! Next some tributes; we start with The Spindles doing a faithful version of The Raspberries “Tonight,” but then The Donuts take things further with legendary power pop/pub rock band Rockpile. The album title, “The Pleasure of Seconds,” signals the idea. The band wrote answer songs to Rockpile tracks, their own second takes on the originals. Rockpile delivered the playful “Teacher Teacher.” The Donuts respond with the flirtatious “Substitute Teacher.” Rockpile asked “When I Write the Book.” The Donuts reply with “Every Book I Never Read.” You get the idea. Check it out.






Eureka Machines and The Spindles

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Eureka Machines

Eureka Machines “Everything”

Chris Catalyst (guitarist for The Sisters Of Mercy and Ginger/The Wildhearts) founded Eureka Machines in 2007. Although he has been quite prolific on Bandcamp with solo work, his band Eureka Machines has been improving with every record. It’s not hyperbole to say their sixth LP is the best album to date.

Just listening to the opener “Everything,” he packs every hook into this dense song, and the 4 minutes fly by quickly. The band includes Wayne Insane (BIG drums), Pete Human (bass), and Davros(guitar) and they keep the sound consistent here. The layered guitars lead the way, “Back in The Back of Beyond” and “Black and White” are both excellent follow ups that keep you engaged. The song structure tips into heavier rock on “If I’m Gonna Fight Myself,  I’ll Never Win” and “Nature and Nurture.” Things calm a bit with the slower strums of “Home,” but it’s a breather and then we’re back to melodic rock. Added highlights include “The Great Indoors” and the epic closer “Beautiful Day.” Chris deserves praise for his ability to write catchy songs that hold your interest even after six minutes. Highly recommended. 

Eureka Machines site


The Spindles

The Spindles “Wavelength”

Chicago-based power pop rock quartet led by Jeff Janulis follows up the successful ‘Past and Present’ album from 2019. Wavelength features guest appearances by Brad, Graham, and Rob from The Elvis Brothers, and Bill Corston from Jay & The Americans.“Getaway” is a great catchy opener, with a terrific solo guitar break. The band covers The Hollies “Bus Stop” and several Elvis Brothers tunes, and it fits in well with their originals.

“Rock Boy” is the perfect description of today’s veteran musician as a “part-time worker, but a lifetime rocker.” And these guys really can rock your socks off. Lots of call outs to the 70s-era bikers with “Ride My Bike” and the fun “he said/she said” story of “Two Sides to Every Story” adds a Nick Lowe-ish hook in the chorus. No filler here, so enjoy! Highly recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

The Spindles and Talkie

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The Spindles

The Spindles “Past and Present”

Chicago band The Spindles have everything you look for in a power pop band. The debut album has a distinct sound that marries the British Invasion and ’70s power pop bands together. Fans of The Raspberries, Hollies, and The Records will really enjoy it. They starts with the catchy “Prisoner of War,” driven by the steady percussion and jangling guitars. Next, a sweet cover of The Hollies “Look Through Any Window” lets us know where the band’s heart lies, and the excellent “Whenever We’re Together” is a big highlight with its rich harmonies and tight composition.

It evens out towards the middle, and the music is consistently good. The title track “Peace With The Past” teases us with the world’s most famous opening chord, before it goes into its compelling case for nostalgia. More highlights include “Annette,”  “If I Fall In Love” and the Elvis Brothers cover “Santa Fe.” Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik | CD Baby

Talkie

Talkie “Fundamental Things”

San Francisco pop band Talkie is back. It starts out on a low key, piano version of the old pop standard “As Time Goes By.” Then it shifts into the funk-pop “Fuzzy Disco,” a catchy track with a thick bass line that leads everything. The easy-going “Marcy” has a sun-soaked melody line, with a neat fuzz solo.

“Sorry, Shy” is another bright shimmering tune, but things slow considerably with “Costa Rica,” that plods along with its aimless rhythm guitar. It devolves from that point. You’ll hear influences like Air and Maroon Five as it wades into this ambient territory. None of the stellar harmonies that marked the band’s debut are present. Hopefully, we’ll hear some on the next LP.

Amazon