Back to School Mini Reviews

This is a collection of unsigned talent that I got requests to review – so if you wanna be daring give these a try…

The Blind Sides “Circles” EP
Toronto musician Aron Harris really impressed me with this gem of an EP. The title track is similar to the piano pop of Ben Folds or The Hillary Step, it just leaps out of the speaker and grabs you. And the following tracks are pretty good, with a DIY power pop effort in “When I Look Back Now” and the alt. country of ” I Don’t Want To Let Love Get In The Way.” Lead singer Stephen Scarrow has a real gift for songwriting and composition and he knows how to really croon on “Waiting For Tomorrrow.” I can’t wait for a full release from this new talent.
Bandcamp | Facebook
Toxic Melons “Melon Jam” EP
A very DIY effort by Paul Fairbairn of Newcastle UK, Melon Jam takes it’s cue from Jellyfish, The Move and Stackridge. “The Dole” is an ambitious opener, with a Jellyfish styled chorus and harmonies. The song “You’ve Changed” is slow pop waltz full of neo-psychedelics that creates a Zappaesque atmosphere. The ender “Tomorrow” is another standout, but unfortunately the low budget production starts to show on the other tracks. Fairbairn has tons of potential here and I would love to hear more… can someone sign this man to a proper label please?
Reverb Nation | Facebook
The Sharks “Stockwell Love” EP
Lead by Paul Harvey this London band as a number of free EPs and singles available on Bandcamp. If you are more into the loud side of pop, similar to Paul Collins. Harvey has very distinct vocal that warbles like Roy Orbison a bit, but with a nasal sound that takes a little getting used to. The songwriting here is very good, and the guitar work on several singles is very impressive. “Jimmy” has tons of power and “Stories” has a great hook. Truth be told this is a great FREE collection, and you should give these guys a listen.

EP reviews: Phlying Saucer and Stag

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.

Facebook | CD Baby | Amazon

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.

Facebook | CD Baby | Amazon 

New EPs: Jen Olive and Research Turtles

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

New EPs: Darlings, Jim Camacho and Chris Alvy Band

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 SpaceDarlings 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.
CD Baby | Amazon

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.

New EPs: Deon Toh, Eytan & The Embassy and the Sound of Growing Up

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.
Facebook | Bandcamp