Bourgeois Heroes and The Bulletproof Vests

Bourgeois Heroes “Musical Postcards” EP

The duo, which is split between Massachusetts and Texas, sings ’60s-inspired pop in the vein of The Beach Boys, The Monkees and Harpers Bizarre but with a twee sensibility like modern bands Belle & Sebastian or The Ladybug Transistor. The orchestral pop and wide ranging influences are a treat for the pop fan looking for clever melodies with whimsical character. The easy going strum of “The Boy At The Record Store” could be a theme of my childhood (sigh). The elaborate baroque “I Wanna Be Nice To You” is a period gem that fans of sunshine pop and The Kinks will be thrilled with. Overall an excellent EP that will brighten your day, so when is that full length comin’?

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The Bulletproof Vests “Attack!”
Memphis Brothers Jake and Toby Vest put together a solid roots rock album full of riffs that the late Alex Chiton would approve of. And with the help of Argent studios engineer Adam Hill, they mix together power pop, rock, R&B with a southern attitude. Opening with the strong “Magic Wand” it’s lead by a mean slide guitar riff and solid pop rhythm, that recalls Duane Allman at his poppiest. “Darlin’ Wait” is a perfect example of catchy backbeat and sing along chorus that makes for excellent repeat listens. Every song here is good, from the glam-style rock of  “Queenie in Trouble” to the slow blues ballad “Don’t Cry.” “To The Moon” has a big T-Rex vibe and the band takes it to the next level with the anthemic “Hitchhiking To Hell” complete with a blistering guitar solo. A perfect impulse music buy that gets better with each listen.

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