Circe Link and the Discount Candy Family Band “California Kid”
Although she has put out several albums under her own name I found very little information on Circe Link. Produced and assisted by Christian Nesmith (yes, son of The Monkees guitarist Michael) so you know this group has experience right out of the gate. Circe’s got a strong blues-pop vocal approach, much like Sheryl Crow or Natalie Imbruglia. This works great on the fantastic opener “Salvation” with it’s bar room piano melody. “Random Acts of Kindness” is a sweet mid-tempo song with country guitar flourishes and great lyrical message. Things get trippy fast on psychedelic “Getting High (On Your Own Supply).” Clearly the main influence on the majority of tracks is blues-rock like The Allman Brothers and Tom Petty. Lots of acoustic strumming pop with a slight country feel and the title track is a good example. The best track here is the easy going “Shangriladeeda Farm” with a tight beat and catchy chorus. Another standout is “Tiger Swami” with Circe’s beautiful multi-tracked vocal harmonies and guitar rhythm by Nesmith. A great roots rock album that definitely grows on you after a few listens.
The Cinnamon Fuzz “Cruise of The Century”EP
Remember the 80’s? I lived through that era. This Boston band has passing musical resemblance to Duran Duran and Orchestral Maneuvers in The Dark on the first few tracks. But that’s just the start, as the band goes into power pop territory with heavy guitar riffs on “Now I Know” and the slinky Depeche Mode meets Bryan Scary styled “Strangers.” This EP is available at a “pay-what-you-like” price from Bandcamp. I would encourage the band to continue on the power pop path, as the production and musicianship is top notch and Jonah Burstein vocals remind me of both Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) and Andrew Eldritch (Sisters of Mercy) simultaneously. 