Onesie “Umpteenth”
Brooklyn band Onesie is back, led by Ben Haberland going in several directions here. Opening with “Ten Times Tinnitus” a sly XTC meets Pearl Jam-style progression that quietly sticks with you. Some riffs are clearly reminiscent of 90’s heavy rock like on “Customers” and “Amour Phuss.” An early treat “Final Days Of Nineteen” has a great mix of instruments along with a gentle vocal with harmonies that demands repeat plays.
Another favorite for me is “Would You Be My Goon?” a wonderful blend of melody and pastoral mood similar to Sugarplastic. Ben doesn’t stand still stylistically, as we get a bit of glam (“Legacy Act”) and bouncy pop (“Award Show,” “Missing The Heart”). The songs are quirky and celebrate their own weirdness a bit too much, but it’s the huge hooks that’ll keep you listening. Highly Recommended for sure. Check it out!
The Unswept “Minor Blemishes”
The Unswept are a family trio; Charlie, Liz, and Ryan O’Brien, UK transplants to Chicago that pulls from many classic power pop influences, and on the opening Brydsian jangle gem “Sunshining” it sets the tone right away with its light harmonies. “The Boy Who Wakes You Up” describes a stalker-admirer with a sweet chorus, and Liz takes lead on the country-kissed “You Ain’t On My Mind.” For pure Beatlesque fun, it’s hard to beat “Fake It” with its catchy Monkees-like guitar arpeggio.
The band soldiers on with slight variations on the retro style, some work (“It Doesn’t Really Matter”) and others don’t (“She Just Knows It’s Over”). “Brown Line” is a solid break-up song with excellent rhythm and drum work. At times the retro vibe reminds me of old Rainbow Quartz labeled bands. These tunes may have a blemish or two, but they will put a major smile on your face.
