Category: EP reviews

EP reviews: Phlying Saucer and Stag

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Phlying Saucer “Pancakes” EP
A neat find here is The Phlying Saucer, a young band with a sound that’s akin to Weezer and Foo Fighters. Lead by singer Phil McDonald, he’s joined by Lydell Valdriz (drums), Evan Brass (bass) and Chris Miranda (guitar).  The band came together when they all realized that they had a shared love of modern power pop. “Breaking Down” has a crisp guitar lead and catchy melody. “One Red Light” offers those rambunctious riffs and fast tempo, very similar to Bowling For Soup. Each of the tracks on this EP shine brightly, and should find a place on your play list.

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Stag “Paper Crown” EP
Veteran Seattle musicians Ben London, Pete Everett, Rob Dent, Lincoln Barr and singer Steve Mack formed Stag last year and its sound effortlessly combined classic Who guitar stylings with a modern rock flair. Their sophomore EP “Paper Crown” is produced by Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden) and it sounds great. A perfect example of a rock band that makes great musicianship sound like casual fun. The title track has it all, an unvarnished beat and riff party with a solid melody. Likewise, “Love Her Records” pulsing beat and earnest lyrics describing a music snob is just infectious. It’s one of the best tunes I’ve heard this year. I wish this was more than four tracks – don’t miss this excellent EP.

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New EPs: Jen Olive and Research Turtles

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Jen Olive “I Say Love” EP

Jen comes from Albuquerque, New Mexico, by way of Swindon, UK and this EP is a follow-up to her Ape House debut album Warm Robot (featuring Andy Partridge of XTC). Jen does have a pastoral sound similar to Sam Phillips, but with a bit more layered harmonies. “I Say Love” is a great introduction with intricate guitar rhythms and a honey sweet cadence. “Robot Boy” is another catchy winner, and very close to a lost XTC track. Jen makes it her own with both folk and mechanical melodic lines that take root in your brain. Fans of Andy and his stable of artists will not be disappointed.
Jen Olive’s website | Amazon

Research Turtles “Mankiller Part 1 of  2” EP

Louisiana based Research Turtles has come out from their shell with a stellar EP. Starting with the power ballad “Bugs In A Jar,” it’s a compelling like a mix of Weezer and Teenage Fanclub. The songs here are quick and concise, the too short ballad “Girl LIke You” is in direct contrast to the Oasis-like swagger of “Mankiller.” The catchy riffs on “Rhinestone Gal” will remind many of The Knack and it’s got all the hallmarks of a big hit single. Once again it sounds like power pop manna to me, so bring on Part 2! Go to the band’s page to join the mailing list and get the first track for FREE.
Research Turtles.com | CD Baby | Amazon

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New EPs: Darlings, Jim Camacho and Chris Alvy Band

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Darlings “Warma” EP

If you’re into by the numbers garage pop with a sugary coating than Darlings will be a real treat. The band was started by singer/guitarist Peter Rynsky from his NYC apartment with three friends. Peter and co-vocalist Maura Lynch give us a sweet pop duet layered on top of punk guitars on “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself”. The melodies here on “Spit It Out” and “Don’t Wanna Hang Out Tonight” really keep your attention, similar to The Creaky Boards lo-fi Beach Boys bedroom pop. Give these guys a chance and I think they’ll grow on you pretty quickly.
My Space | Darlings Site | Amazon

Jim Camacho “Is It Me” EP

Camacho made his initial mark with the Goods, a South Florida band. He’s recently been touring with Dreaming In Stereo. ‘Is It Me’ is melodic pop with Jim’s trademark earnest vocals, which reminds me of Joe Cocker without any gravel in this throat. The tracks are all stellar and the self-directed title track is typical of this heartfelt work. “Debutante” is another standout, with catchy chorus and a descriptive portrait of a heartbreak and girl who’s “happy in your life without me.” It’s easy to see why Jim has won numerous local music awards for his songwriting, as it simply resonates with you.
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Chris Alvy Band “Anything Goes” EP
Miami based Chris Alvy brings us some excellent guitar riffs and vocal harmonies on the title track from ‘Anything Goes.’ Songs are instantly memorable, for example “The Fall” sounds like a combo of Cheap Trick and Split Enz. The 70’s styled guitar crunchiness and chord combinations make tracks like “Something New” really standout. Stylistically, tracks like the Extreme-ish “This Is Yur Life” and the acoustic “Your Smile” are a bit less consistent, but no less compelling. I dare you not to sing along on the latter track with it’s strumming chorus of “Yabba Dabba Doo.” Easily one of the most impressive debut EPs this year. Where is that full length LP? I can’t wait for this one.
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New EPs: Deon Toh, Eytan & The Embassy and the Sound of Growing Up

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Deon Toh “Letters” EP

Singapore native Deon Toh isn’t quite traditional power pop but creates solid pop compositions with intricate piano melodies that recall Eric Matthews. “I’ll Find A Way” is a great start and the soaring strings in “Little Lives” make it a standout. “Ties” bring to mind the casual easy listening John Mayer used to be famous for. “Take My Heart With You” has a calm confidence that shines through each note. Overall, a real treat for lovers of baroque pop out there.
FREE download from Bandcamp

Eytan And The Embassy “The Free” EP

Eytan & The Embassy is is a 6-piece soul-powered rock group from Brooklyn. The party starts with the funky “No Reason To Cry” and the catchy theme of “The Good Life” has a wonderful piano chorus and dense orchestration.  “From Now On” is a slow ballad that has a bit of 50’s style and “Good Morning Marilyn” delights with it’s clean pop composition and stuck-in-your head melody. I hope Eytan expands on this project — I would like to retreat to this pop asylum!
FREE download from Bandcamp 

The Sound of Growing Up “Drifting” EP

This one isn’t a free download, but it’s worth checking out if just for the terrific opening single “The Kite” which bangs away on a piano like a mix of Ben Folds and John Faye of IKE. The following tracks aren’t bad either, “Swing” and “I Have No Reason” are also memorable. Both tracks makes great use of vocalist-guitarist Justin Kao. A very promising start and hopefully a full length album is forthcoming.
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New EPs: Larabee, Cowbois and The Orion Experience

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The Orion Experience “NYC Girl” EP

TThe Orion Experience create songs that don’t quit, full of stuck-in-your-head choruses, taut arrangements and a slightly acidic lyrical bent that often belies all the poppiness. I’ve followed them from the beginning and with ‘NYC Girl’ its clear the bands improving. The title track is the best pop single I’ve heard since The Virgins “One Week Of Danger”. Other excellent songs include the strutting “Vampire” and bouncy “Rollercoaster.” A special treat is the duet between Orion Simprini and Linda Horwatt on “Sweet Friend” with a nod to Queen’s own “You’re My Best Friend.” Hands down the best EP this year so far.
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Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog “Dyddiau Du, Dyddiau Gwym”

Most of the time I don’t venture into foreign language bands, but this was an exception. Rhos Botwnnog is a tiny piece of land just north of the village of Botwnnog in the Llyn Peninsula in north Wales where the band was born. The sibling trio of “Cowbois” sounds so familiar, yet you will not understand a word that is spoken. It’s the melodies and instrumentation that matter more here…
Read the full review at www.rockandrollreport.com  | Amazon

Larabee “Expose a Little Wire” EP

Larabee is the project of musician Matt Maguire. His musical style is melodic pop with soothing guitar jangle and a bit of old country soul, as evidenced on his opener “Little Liar.” The next track “Cold Dark Night” explores a typical country theme with reverence and humility that recalls Blue Rodeo or The Jayhawks at their catchiest.  This is followed by the somber “9:58pm” which details the last thoughts of a man dying from an auto accident. Matt’s cadence is much like James Taylor and each song is impressively written and performed.
Bandcamp | Amazon | CD Baby

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