Category: EP reviews

EPS: Cliff Hillis and Radio Days

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Cliff Hillis

Cliff Hillis “Life Gets Strange” EP

The dependable greatness of Cliff Hillis provides another look at the socially distanced life with his usual breezy melodic style. Written with Rhett Miller of Old 97’s, “Let’s Pretend” is a wonderful opener, with a solid buzzing rhythm guitar as Cliff imagines life as it was – and a desire to get close. Next, the title track is a more direct observation of how we’ve rearranged our lives, and the melody is very catchy and effortlessly sticks to your head.

“Good Problems” is a quieter recognition of gratitude and “Tired All The Time” is another melodic gem about COVID stress, but always keeping an eye out for “better days lie ahead.” The short format allows Hillis to only pick the cream of the crop, and even the bluesy ballads sound great. Highly Recommended!

Amazon

Radio Days

Radio Days “I Gotta Love” EP

Those dudes from Milan, Italy are back with a cool new single that has plenty of power, and a neat hook. Short and sweet, this 3 song EP also includes “Baby Blue” that in no way resembles Badfinger, but recalls a more traditional mid-tempo rock and roll, and “In The City” which has a sharp jangle akin to The Romantics. Highly Recommended!

Amazon

EP Reviews: Young Fresh Fellows, Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Cleaners from Venus, Jim Trainor, Fashion Bird Danger Danger

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Young Fresh Fellows are back with the ageless Scott McCaughey leading the way and it’s just as good as you expect. “This Time is Ours” has a rocking guitar rhythm and a catchy chorus. It gets progressively more punk as we move forward. YFF are still trippy with “Alone in a Bus.” Enjoy!

Aaron Lee Tasjan really nails on the opener “Fake Tattoo” a song that warms the heart. “My Bed’s A Mess” is another romantic pop gem, “What A War” has an acoustic folk catchiness with strings that soar. One of the best EPs of the year.

The Cleaners from Venus are back, (and its a FREEBIE) as the brilliant Martin Newell sings about timely subjects on “Statues” and the smokey “Golden Lion of the Sun” are the highlights here.

Idaho power popper Jim Trainor starts with a great Beatlesque melody on “The Only One” and the bouncy “Claire” is another keeper. The fast tempo “Grace & Beauty” keeps you moving. In fact, every song is good. Don’t miss this one.
OK, now we go for something more experimental called Fashion Bird Danger Danger. John Wlaysewski (Late Cambrian) and Matthew Milligan (Wheatus) come together for this oddly compelling pop. “City Island Shaman” is like they tossed Southern Culture On The Skids in a blender with Tears For Fears. I also liked the bleak “Part 5 of Fear” full of angular prog guitars.

Freebies and EPs: The Turnback, Nick Lowe, Brad Marino, Brian Mello, You’re Among Friends, Nick Bertling, Portable Radio, The Amplifier Heads

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The Turnback had these three songs recently re-mastered by Grammy® Award-Winning mastering engineer Brian “Big Bass” Gardner (Foo Fighters, RUSH, Eminem, David Bowie, Cheap Trick). They are a FREE download and the band just asks for you to give a tip to the next essential worker you come in contact with (grocery clerk, fast-food worker, etc.). Now is the time we all need to be there for each other and PLAY IT FORWARD!

The masterful Nick Lowe returns with another EP, delivering pleasing pop gems in a timeless fashion.

Brad Marino (The Connection) is back in fine form with “False Alarm” and “At Night.” Guitar pop the way it should be, plus a cover of the Hoodoo Gurus classic, “What’s My Scene?” Get it at Kool Kat Musik

Brian Mello, the guitarist with The Morning Line, has a very unique EP out. It starts out like a spacey Western with “Landscape With Ruins” and stays kind of mellow until the riff-heavy gem “Adios.” A real grower here, so check it out.

You’re Among Friends, plays out like a fun jam in someone’s basement studio. Love the funk melody on “Once the Toothpaste is Out of the Tube.” More terrific casual rock, like “Just Keep Being Nice” make this a great FREE album to chill with.

Nick Bertling heads out to the audio twilight zone and gives us a personal work that seems to channel Todd Rundgren. Love those harmonies on “Perhaps” and the retro synth on “Mall Dreams ’87.” Another grower you need to live with.

Manchester UK pop band Portable Radio has a neat retro style and great harmonies. “Great In The Sun” and “Flight Home” remind me of the Cowsills.

JUST IN! Boston’s The Amplifier Heads are led by vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Sal Baglio (The Stompers). This is a real treat, as he channels mid-period XTC. Fans of similar bands (like The Sun Sawed In Half) will LOVE this.

FREEBIES, Singles and EPs: The Nap, Andy Reed, Tired Eyes, Packy Lundholm, Bandits on the Run, Zebedee, The JAC, Creamer

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EPs

I found some really cool EPs and they all are “Name-your-price” downloads. Share, please!

The Nap is a band from Gijón, Spain and they have a cool dramatic ’90s pop sound. “Bed Time” is a little like Hootie and The Blowfish. Check out the harmonies on “Corredor,” and the funky guitar on “Little Cat,” it definitely grows on you.

Andy Reed is back with another selection of tunes, following up his 2015 “Relay, Vol.1.” And this set shows off his skill in different genres. “His Love is Gonna Let You Down” is a ‘70s styled rocker with a bluesy guitar that’s just smoking. A cover of Paul Williams’s “Rainbow Connection” is a sweet update of the classic.

Tired Eyes is the alter ego of Liam James Marsh (Kid Chameleon) and Ellie Vincent. Simple guitar tunes with Liam’s double-tracked vocal have plenty of charm on “It’s Late & I’m Tired” and the frustrating emotions of “Grin.”

Chicago musician/producer/songwriter Packy Lundholm does a good job with varied styles in this “Track Sabbath” EP. “Hosanna” is an epic production with a little bit of everything, and a catchy chorus too. “Cocaine Guys” is another winner with a vocoder and sax solo! Not power pop, but there is more to discover here.

SINGLES

Bandits on the Run is a talented group of NYC musicians who’ve had experience on Broadway and other venues. This single is beautiful, catchy, and inspired a short film! Looking forward to full album of those great harmonies.

Brooklyn-based rockers Zebedee have this late 70’s styled single that chugs along with some inspired bass work. This is psych-pop that will get you jumping on the bed playing air guitar.

The JAC is back! Aussie rocker Joe Algeri (The Brittanicas) gives us a rough cut of the frustration being locked up because of a pandemic. “Just punch me out, give me back my life!”

Philip Creamer knows how to do an epic power ballad as well as anyone. Fans of Bowie, Queen, and Marc Bolland will love this. I can’t wait for the next LP!

EP Reviews: The Unswept, Ken Fox, TEOA

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The Unswept

The Unswept “The Codependent EP”

The Unswept have shifted their style to a harder-edge, grittier sound with their new EP. “Codependent” adds major power to the pop melody and lead singer Ryan O’Brien seems to channel the spirit of Lou Reed. “Try To Forget You” is another effective rocker, fans of the bands on Rum Bar Records label will feel at home. The finale “Wonderfully Perfect Right” is a multi-layered power ballad with a welcome jangling rhythm.
Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp


The Unswept

Ken Fox & Knock Yourself Out “Ken Fox & Knock Yourself Out”

Since 1990, Ken Fox has been playing bass, writing, recording and touring with The garage rockers The Fleshtones. He sets his sites on going solo, still tethered to his old band on the opener “One Less Step”  and the hyper  “Let’s Go!” Both songs blow speakers apart and are a celebration of Ken’s independence. The punk fuzz of  “Do It!” is another gem that explains “it’s rock and roll!” The vintage beat and violins of “Love Is In the Grave” reminds one of Ken’s past with cowpunk legends Jason and the Scorchers. Enjoy this fun debut. Highly Recommended.

Amazon  | Kool Kat Musik


The Unswept

TEOA “Light Within”

Love harmonies? Then you’ll feel some magic with TEOA (aka The End of America). The band is James Downes, Trevor Leonard, and Brendon Thomas; friends who met on the road, after singing harmonies on each other’s songs while on tour as solo artists. Their sound is solid Folk, and thought-provoking roots Rock. “Monsters” looks at the world’s problems and give out a three-part cry for help. Even stripped down on “Howl,” the talent is on full display here, reminiscent of The Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road.” This is the ground floor of a band destined to go far. Check’em out.

Amazon