Category: EP reviews

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

EP Reviews and Singles: Danny McDonald, Popular Creeps, Zach Jones, Vanilla, Arthur Nasson

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Danny McDonald

Danny McDonald “Modern Architecture”

Danny McDonald is skilled in several genres. “Cordyline” bursts from the speakers with authority, very much in the mold of Paul Westerberg and it hooks you right away. Unfortunately, it’s only a minute long. Next, “The suburb I grew up in” is a country-style duet with Anna Burley, and its a nice jangling slice of roots-pop.

Then we get about a minute of punk and another minute of power pop. “Keeping The Dogs At Bay” is another catchy chorus, and thankfully it’s over 2 minutes long. I like short songs, but most of this was just way too short. However, the sampler just made me want more McDonald, so it is successful in marketing his talent.

Amazon

Popular Creeps Detroit

Popular Creeps “Bloodshot Red”

A motley crew from the Motor City, Popular Creeps do a good job playing fast and loose rock and roll, and the opening track “Out of My Head” is a super-catchy tune that will get you following along with handclaps and a kick-ass guitar solo. The sound is a little like The Replacements, with a barroom vibe similar to The Connection. “Down & Out” builds a solid core riff and keeps you interested with its well-written lyrics and melody. “Metal Kid” is a good vignette about a kid who “smells like smoke on a Friday night.” Lots of great tracks, and highly recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Singles

“Like The Tide” boasts a solid twang and Zach’s soulful lead keeps this sounding like a hit single Neil Young might have done back in the day. The bonus here is that Zach has an audio “behind-the-scenes” feature in addition to the song demos. Sweet!


Jayson Jarmon and those dudes from Vanilla are back with a heavier rocker. It’s got some cool riffs — check it out.

Arthur Nasson is back, and he’s “Unglued” – This is a catchy theme that reminds me a little of Roy Wood.  Get this on Amazon

EP Reviews: The Seven and Six, Vista Blue, Dogmatics, Nick Bertling, The Martial Arts

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The Seven and Six is a new band with the ever-talented Lisa Mychols and Tom Richards. This is great power pop with a beat you can dance to. This is Mychols in her natural habitat, each song hits the right notes, kicks ass and with its upbeat tempos, it’s super highly recommended.

Vista Blue dials back its natural punk influences and turns up the Beach Boys-inspired power-pop tendencies. “Summer Wonderland” is a sweet single with some great harmonies and the other tracks are a cut above the usual seasonal music. Get this one now! Available at Amazon


The Dogmatics is a more traditional garage rock and roll band from Boston thanks to our buddies at Rum Bar Records. Fans of The Replacements or The Johnny Thunders will dig this one. And who else will write a song about the current United States Secretary of Commerce? Also available at Amazon.


Nick Bertling made this faithful group of Monkee cover tunes in honor of the late Peter Tork. It even has a cover of a Kellog’s jingle! Not an EP, but a labor of love and it’s a great FREE download.


The new EP from The Martial Arts (aka Paul Kelly) is a quirky pop romp that is both catchy and idiosyncratic. The other songs are just as infectious and melodic. Get it on Amazon.

 

Happy Halloween with Vista Blue and The Skullers

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Vista Blue

Vista Blue “Tricks and Treats”

Punk poppers Vista Blue are back as they tear through 11 Halloween themed tunes with a dose of extra heavy fuzz. “I Don’t Wanna Trick or Treat With You” is a brilliant Ramones styled shot in the arm, and it sets the template. “I’m Gonna Be You For Halloween” is a great put down in the same vein, as are all these tunes. The songs are mostly under two minutes, so even though the songs are homogeneous, it’s still a lot of fun.

The tempo is frantic and stays in fast mode, some highlights include: “Angela Loves Me,” “Make A Wish” and “Don’t Change The Channel.” Pop-punk is perfectly suited to the Halloween season, so grab your treats while they are fresh.

Bandcamp only


The Skullers

The Skullers “Freight Trains & Party Games” EP

Weehawken, NJ band The Skullers have a new EP. While this isn’t Halloween themed, the band name lends itself to the season. Opening with the echoing beat of “Still Life,” it has plenty of power pop grit along the lines of Matthew Sweet with some ’60s psych-pop details.

The jangling guitar and catchy, driving beat of “She Denies The Things She Loves” recalls the recent Liam Gallagher. They add real guitar muscle to “Convenient” with its compelling reverb bass and a layered chorus. Overall a great set of tunes that foreshadows great things for The Skullers. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | CD Baby