Airport and The Dead Girls

Airport “Go Up”
Released last year, but an overlooked treasure for sure. The band draws from the big hook filled melodies of old school 70’s AM radio classics like Cheap Trick, Blue and Pilot. Lead by Craig Small, the jangly guitar starts us off with the Eagles-influenced title track, but then on “The Plan” you get a taste of those gorgeous ascending chords in the chorus. “Hate You” adds some fuzz to the lead, as the backing harmonies build to an apex similar to Badfinger.

Nothing falls flat here, and the thick chords and hook on “Knot Again” make it a real gem of a single that will give you goosebumps. “Stay” has a rhythmic guitar intro along the lines of “Sweet Child O Mine,” but falls into sweeping alt. rock ballad. Fans of alt.country and guitar melodies will eat this up. A most worthy addition to your playlist.

The Dead Girls “She Laughed A Little” EP
Solid guitar jangle and smart harmonies are the specialty of The Dead Girls.  The vocals of Cameron Hawk and JoJo Longbottom are excellent here, comparable to The Gin Blossoms or The Rembrandts with a bit more bite. You’ll find the b-side “It’s All Happening” is reminiscent of  Joey Sykes’ Coward with contrasting heavy guitars and high pitched vocals. The EP is just an opening for you to check out the back catalog LP Out of Earshot from 2010. Here, the guys sound similar to Husker Du and its best featured on the songs “Te Quiero” and “Pulling Teeth.”