Ex-Norwegian “House Music”
After the “Sketch” LP last year, the band personnel changed leaving leader Roger Houdaille to take the music in a new direction and give us a FREE digital follow-up. It’s less ambiguous, with a tight melodic focus. “Ginger, baby” is a sweet Kinks meets Dandy Warhols song that really rocks. The energy of “Original Copy” and “Not A Mouse” both have touch of grooviness (thanks to Fernando Perdomo).
The album is also more consistent than past efforts, as “Initiative Rock” has some great minor chord shifts. You’ll hear a little Marc Bolan in “Spin Win It” and then soothing harmonies on the California styled “Rearrange It.” Overall a terrific album that delivers superior melodies along with adventurous arrangements. Highly recommended, and after all it’s “name-your-own-price” on Bandcamp, so what’s not to like?
Charlie Maxton “Teletype”
Maxton is a Portland based musician, his buddy John Amadon helps out on this solo LP. “While I Was Away” has a cool Nirvana-like riff, but the melody doesn’t seem to get off the ground. The punkier “Go You One Better” also didn’t sit well either, and thankfully the remaining tracks lean more alt. folk pop. “Deep Water” is a great tune that has a Neil Young meets America tone.
Another standout, “Bullseye Girl” has an REM vibe, with a great lyrical chorus and “Sandy James” is another effective character portrait. The further along the stronger the album gets, my favorite is the cynical “Millionaire” that rails against major label celebrities, “No one wants to hear the music of a millionaire… get in and make a killing while you can.” An effective debut.
