Blank Pages “Absolute Uncertainty”
South Jersey’s power pop veterans Blank Pages have teamed up with Kool Kat Musik to release their fourth collection of irresistible hooks and shining harmonies. Once again lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Greg Potter helms this workman like effort as “Let It All Out” is a strong opening that describes his songwriting compulsion.
Jangling riffs dominate “Help Me” and “Can You Feel” is another highlight with an early 80’s influence. The casual strum and minor chords make “I’ve Said All I Can Say” another delight. The Pages are hitting their stride here and I’m sure it’ll be widely enjoyed by power pop fans the world over. Kool Kat is also including a bonus disc with tracks from the band’s “Early Years” that were unreleased till now.
Macrodots “The Other Side”
After relocating to San Francisco to play Janis Joplin in the Off Broadway biopic Love Janis, Cathy Richardson teamed up with guitarist Zach Smith (of the 80’s band Scandal) to form Macrodots. There is a hint of similarity here with Scandal as Richardson has a strong female vocal with Cheap Trick riffs that gain your attention on the title track. The next track is the soft guitar of “Beautiful Girl” which builds into a great power ballad.
The arrangements are crisp and the hooks are plentiful on “Everything” and the Cars-meets-Heart styled epic “Not Too Late.” It flirts with heavy bombast on “Piece O Me” to the point that even Brody Dalle would be jealous. Not a bad track here, although “If I Could” has so much drama, it reminds me of what Melissa Etheridge would sound like if she sang Meatloaf. This album really rocks, so buckle up.
MySpace | Buy Direct | Amazon