Category: emerging artists

Dave Birk and The Honey Wilders

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Dave Birk “Speed Queen Mystery Date”
Minneapolis, MN based Dave Birk’s self funded debut is a lot of bouncy melodious fun right from the opening notes of “Hey Jody.”  Influences are squarely in the Gin Blossoms meets Fountains of Wayne arena. With earnest vocals, the early gem is “Roller Coaster of Love, Hate and Tenderness” with a wicked guitar solo during the break, and lyrics about “the never-ending test” of romance.

It kinda jumps into faux funk with “Love and Devotion,” and then a touching slow ballad “My Sleeping Beauty.” But then we enter FOW-land with the title track and “All Things Retro” with a ton of pop culture references. The remaining tracks just as fresh, especially “Country Music 101” with a dead-on instruction of how to write a hit country song. A great debut!

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The Honey Wilders “Singles for Singles” 
This San Jose band sure loves 70’s classic rock, just listen to the Big Star riffs on “Life In Stereo” and the catchy melody on “Summertime” which recalls Tom Petty. It’s got sound alike tracks for Led Zeppelin (“Sugar Mama,”) Thin Lizzy (“”Geneva Ave.”) and The Stones (“Sweet Alice”). The remain tracks all have that instantly recognizable guitar sound, like of like a cross between Mick Ronson and Slash. And while highly derivative, its also enjoyable fun, like a classic mix tape from that era.

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Paul Bertolino and Boice

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Paul Bertolino “Where The Buildings Hit The Sky”
Paul is a behind-the-scenes musician’s musician from Berkeley, CA and a skilled singer songwriter that will appeal to fans of Eric Matthews, Elliot Smith and Ben Wilkins. The 70’s styled opener and title track is certainly impressive with rich horns and bass riffs supporting the melody.

Lovers of gentle baroque pop along the lines of Burt Bacharach and Van Dyke Parks will flip for “Union Square.” Paul mixes some psyche-pop guitar and harmonies on the wonderful chorus of “The Green Bridge.” More gems include the snappy “See Me Now” with its lyrical love of New York City, and the sunny “Clinton Hill.” Retro pop fans rejoice! The release is through Bandcamp only.

Boice “How To Be An Adult”
Boice is certainly not your average power pop act, as African Americans rarely enter this genre. Brooklyn based Boice-Terrel Allen balances his influences (McCartney, Costello, Morrisey) with considerable skill on his opener “Itchy Boyz.” His lack of vocal range on “(That’s) The Sound” is made up by solid melody, skillful harmonies and song composition.

“Everybody Loves A Comeback” almost reminds me of Stew & The Negro Problem with dark narratives, and a twisted melody line.  At 15 tracks in total, it’s hit and miss – with most of the good stuff early on. And despite the racy BDSM cover image, this album is quite tame. The songs become progressively more “easy listening” on the deeper tracks, with some variety in the 50’s style mid-tempo “Wake Up! (Here’s The Part)” and the inspirational pep talk “Anchor Song (For Mary).”

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The Bowers, The Stanleys, and Smash Fashion

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The Bowers “Odds or Evens”
This Melbourne Australian band from gives us a real hidden gem. The tight riffs and vocals of Phil Gionfriddo make “Time Is Mine” a winner, and his cadence reminds me of Ed Rolland (Collective Soul). Taking a cue from 60’s Mod, the thumping beat and Byrdsian psyche-pop gives us “Going To Love Me Now.” This is near perfect garage pop with the harmonies, farfisa organ, driving riffs and wailing lead retro enthusiasts will cherish. It loses a little steam towards the end with the droning title track, but it’s worth uncovering for sure.
Bandcamp only

The Stanleys “Always” EP
Another Aussie export, The Stanleys are a quartet that draws from classic 70’s bands like The Raspberries and Sweet with modern rock techniques similar to Weezer. Then you throw in studio wizards like Ken Stringfellow (REM, The Posies) and Michael Carpenter, and it’s a pretty impressive debut here. The hooks are strong on “Always” and “Kid’s Gonna Rock” and the sound is comparable to Vinyl Candy. Enjoy!
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Smash Fashion “Blame it on Brandy/Marionette” EP
LA based dandies led by Roger Deering and supported by veteran musicians, have a glam meets power pop sound. The thundering drums and crisp guitar riffs on “Brandy” demand attention. It’s a lot of fun, and the b-side “Marionette” is just as infectious with some great Brian May styled guitar solo work between the main verses. The band has a back catalog worth investigating, and I’ll be looking forward to the new full length LP.
SmashFashionMusic.com | CD Baby

Gary B & The Notions and Elijah Cross

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Gary B & The Notions “How Do We Explode”
A new release from the boisterous Gary B and The Notions is out and its got everything a power pop fan would like; classic pop melodies, angular guitar riffs and defiant vocals. Fans of Superdrag and Weezer will really graviate to this album, especially the raw sweetness of “The Surfin’ Song.”

However my favorite here is the Elvis Costello meets Big Star hooks in “How to Eat A Brick Sandwich.” The blaring fast riffs on “Lyndsy Fonseca” make it an indulgence similar to Lenny Kravitz, but not as memorable. Lots of near-misses (“Back Pain Lozenge”) for every inventive narrative here, like “Too Busy For An Ambulance Ride.” And of course no slower or mid tempo tunes doesn’t help it either, but for only $5 its definitely worth a listen.

Band website  | Bandcamp only

Elijah Cross “Flawed Designs” EP
Elijah Cross was born in California, and attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, he caught the attention of Fernando Perdomo (Dreaming In Stereo) who took the lad under his wing. The result is this EP, and it’s a great debut — just listen to the sweet pysche-pop melody of “Let’s” and the Bacharachian beauty of “Disclaimer.” But what is unique here is that you can earn half of Elijah’s album profits!

The EP is only $4, and for every $200 of this music sold – Elijah will give $100 to a random fan (just send in your Bandcamp receipt to enter the drawing). And you can win multiple times! So it’s like buying an EP and a lottery ticket in the same shot! But honestly, the music is worth it all on its own. I would encourage you to support this budding talent!

 Bandcamp only

Budokan and Beyond Veronica

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Budokan “Spin A Little Gold”
This Canadian band from Victoria, B.C. has the loud fiery energy that is sure to make it a rookie-of-the-year as far as I’m concerned. Yes, the name and sound are indebted to Cheap Trick (as in Live From Budokan) and those strong, layered guitars ring true on the openers “The Queen’s English” and “You Don’t Stop Lovin’ The Band.”

You’ll hear some Stones influence mixed in there too (“The Right On Girl” and “Bastards of Feel”) and with a heavy 13 tracks, you get your money’s worth. Drink plenty of Red Bull with this one, cause it doesn’t slow down or get mushy. No clunkers, and I especially liked “Saint Joan” and “Kelly Green.” Not much else to say here, just listen…

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Beyond Veronica “Hard Times For Dreamers”
Beyond Veronica follows the great tradition of female-fronted power pop and it’s essential listening for fans of Jana Peri, MaryKate O’Neil and Joan Jett. “If You Love Her” is a great start with vocalist Bonnie Veronica’s melodic croon reminding me of Grace Slick at times.

The band does a great job setting the table, and Bonnie hits it outta the park on the excellent “Secret Things” and you’ll hear more “bad-girl” narrative on “Taste Of The Same.” Kirk Larsens’ guitar work is the perfect compliment to Bonnie’s vocals, even for the jangle-filled ballad “My Friend.” Larsens’ awesome riffs poke out between the chorus of most tunes. The song composition and rhythms stick to the early 60’s for influence, imagine The Shangri-la’s and The Animals jamming together. Mostly it’s great, but a little more diversity would have prevented things from getting routine. Overall a welcome addition to your power pop collection.

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