Julian Berntzen and The Bad Love Experience

Julian Berntzen “Rocketship Love”
As a Norwegian musical child prodigy Julian Berntzen has been writing and composing his own music at age 14, and as he grew up he mastered the ability to build intricate concept albums. His latest album “Rocketship Love” is a fantastic find that draws you into the atmospheric narrative much like Paul Steel’s work. The title track has a funky clavinet with a Jellyfish bridge to the chorus. Some of the songs have a McCartney-like facination with dance hall instrumentation, as “Johnny” could be the lost companion to The Beatles “Honey Pie.” Another gem is the achingly lovely ballad “Julias Jewerly” with it’s sweet harmonies. The light falsetto and strings of “Clouds Will Pass” and “Sunny Street” will please fans of Sondre Lerche. The orchestration is lavish and other than some nostalgic instrumentals, there is no filler here. In 2008, this album was nominated for the Norwegian Grammy, so pop fans should give this a chance. Julian is also heading down to this year’s SXSW festival, so you may not want to miss him there either.

My Space | Amazon

Bad Love Experience “Rainy Days”
From Italy’s Livorno underground music scene comes Bad Love Experience. The band’s official line up with Valerio Casini (voice and guitar), Emanuele Voliani (bass and choir) and Gabriele Bogi (drums) has been collaborating with American producer Justin Perkins to bring us a record filled to the brim with solid rock and roll. Full of riffs that don’t quit – it’s comparable with Jet, Rooney or Oasis with big infectious beats and relentless harmonies. The opening “Breakaway” and follow up “21st Century Boy” are perfect examples of this. Throughout the album you hear a combination of influences from the new wave 80’s, garage 60’s, and arena rock 70’s all working seamlessly together. The fast paced song “The Days” is undeniably catchy and an album highlight. “Mr. & Mrs. Beloved” is another winner with an ever increasing tempo and volume. “Knowing All The Things I’ve Known” has echoes The Beatles with it’s pounding drums and organ lead. “Dear Maver Boy” sounds a bit like a really fast organ version of “96 Tears.” Casini’s vocals are excellent without a trace of accent, heard on the album’s harmony-filled finale “All The Heroes, Unfamous People.” Overall, a great album and you’ll have no problem turning up the volume and rocking to the beat.

MySpace | Itunes