The Mike Benign Compulsion “Martha”
It wasn’t long ago we heard from Midweswtern musician Mike Benign. This new full-length album is a big leap forward for the Compulsion, mixed by the dB’s Chris Stamey. The driving harmonies on “Chemicals To Candy” is full of classic power pop chord shifts, and a great opener. “My Michelle” has a bit more jangle, almost like The Raspberries. A few real standouts are the bouncing beat and harmony filled chorus of “Valentines and Honeybees” and the Beatlesque “Sing It.” No filler here and plenty of other great tunes, like the Kinks inspired “American Dreaming and Drunk” and the Stamey influence is clear on the album’s latter half with “By The Way” and “I Won’t Let You Down.” The ballads are good too, so overall it’s a highly recommended LP and a great addition to your playlist.
The Campbell Apartment “In”
After the melodic indie-pop sounds of 2008’s Insomiac’s Almanac, the Campbell Apartment take a turn towards a harder rock sound courtesy of leader Ari Vais. Joined by Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne) it resembles the late great Alex Chilton on the blistering opener “I Don’t Believe in Love (Anymore).” The cynical genius of “The See You Laters” explores the death of rock star dreams, as Ari’s vocal has a Lou Reed meets TMBG-styled cadence.
The album’s wall of guitar riffs recall the Replacements feel-good hooks on “Autumn,” and the more distortion fueled melody “Season In The Sun.” A few songs recall the early 80’s new wave, like the list of girls on “My Many Mini Obsessions” and the dissonance of “Plug-in Freak.” A few notable tracks, like “Gia Knows” recalls Weezer and “That’s All There Is” could fit comfortably on a Red Hot Chili Peppers LP. Some of the rhythm guitar acrobatics are colorful and the slow ballad “There Goes the Sun,” has some sweet horn arrangements. It’s a grower for sure, as Ari’s vocal takes a bit getting used to. Get “I Don’t Believe in Love (Anymore)” for free download to start you off!
