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Danny Laj and the Looks “We’re The Freaks” really speaks to the power pop movement. The track focuses on how something as simple as a noise complaint can threaten a beloved venue and the ripple effect that loss has on musicians, fans, and the local community. Something I’ve lived through, for sure. I’ve seen a big push in new music recently because it’s summertime. Let’s start with David Myhr (The Merrymakers) latest solo album, and the opening track “Summer Summer Summer” and its exactly what you expect, a swirling gem that will add a smile to your face. Next, The Toxhards are back after last year’s top-ten rated LP, with a new single and hopefully a full length isn’t far behind. After that you get a new freebie EP from The Regulars, a scruffy rock band from Boxborough, Massachusetts with the goods, check out “Impossible” and “Empty Dose.” Great live energy and good songs. Across the pond, Willie Dowling (Dowling Poole, Jackdaw4) is carrying on again in his manic way about the state of politics. We get it, mate! Finally, Almost A Cow is a Texas band with a big sound claiming to write anime songs, but its just melodic rock and roll (and I like it, yes I do!) Check out the 90s influenced power pop tracks “Manatee” and “Downfall.” Thanks!
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Tag: The Toxhards
The Toxhards and The Humbugs
The Toxhards “Your Neighborhood”
Sometimes, the components are greater than the whole. The Toxhards, a LA garage rock band, have a concept LP that doesn’t tell much of a story. However, the band’s unwavering dedication to superb pop and rock is evident here. The band’s wacky theatrical image is compelling, akin to a circus opera at a heavy metal festival, they sound influenced by Pink Floyd, Queen, Tally Hall, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. They’ve already made an impression locally, with a sizable TikTok and Instagram following, so their debut album definitely raises the bar.
The intros are effective in establishing a mood but run a bit too long; then we get the first song, strums of “Beatrice,” a gentle rocker that amps up quickly to heavy Foo Fighter-like riffs. It’s a fun, wild ride to its loud crescendo. Then it dials back dramatically to the quiet title track “Your Neighborhood,” which recall a Roger Waters inner monologue. Then we get “Get Creative! Or Get Radicalized!” with Queen-like harmonies and boisterous chorus, and it’s simply great from the melodic croon to the screaming “Na, na, na, na!” Another gentle gem is “Apple TV” with handclaps and hooks sticking in your head on that chorus.
But the album’s highlight is “DIE! DIE! DIE.” The song begins with a funky rhythm and bass line, and the lead singing, “Don’t you love the feeling when a song comes on the radio, and it sounds like they wrote it for you?” Next, “Satan’s Little Hell Song” is reminiscent of Queen’s “Stone Cold Crazy” in a frenzy. Overall, a thrilling set of tunes, the most schizophrenic rock album I’ve heard in a while. Highly recommended and a top ten contender. Thanks to my brother, Dan, for finding this one.
The Humbugs “AM Operetta”
Veteran Minneapolis band The Humbugs are Adam Marshall (guitar, lead), Tim Formanek (bass), and Matt Baccoli (drums), with an assist from Kristin Marshall and Mike Senkovich. Some nice power pop and a few folk tunes here, many pulled from Adam’s songwriting archives in a homage to the many different styles of music that was being played on AM radio in the 1970s. However nothing here sounds like it came directly from that era, it’s all original music.
The opener “Be Careful What You Wish For” is a solid start, with lots of jangle and a nicely constructed, distinct verse. The catchy “Take Out The Trash” is my favorite here, with great hooks and harmonies. The styles vary from here, Kristin’s lovely vocal leads on the pensive “Further From Yesterday” and “Never Noticed Me.” Highlights include “Tearing Me Up” and the bouncy ender “Doing Something Right.” Overall, a really good album with minimal overindulgences. Technically released last year, but the band recently posted their catalog on Bandcamp (also worth checking out.) Highly recommended.
