Category: EP reviews

The Silver Liners, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart and Sklyer

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The Silver Liners “s/t” EP
A terrific band just gets better here. Washington, D.C. based Silver Liners have merged the catchy pop of Maroon 5 with the guitar assault of Foo Fighters on their new self titled EP. Starting with the danceable rock of “Runnin’ Through My Head” the melody hooks you and keep you around for the brilliant riffs on “Hot Mess.” Every single track shines here, my favorites being “Without A Face” and the funky “Just Like The Rest” with a beat guaranteed to make you move. Highly recommended and  if you’re looking for the new vanguard of guitar based power pop – this is it. I can’t wait for the full length album as this is the best new EP I’ve heard this year.
The silverliners.com | Amazon

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart  “Heart In Your Heartbreak” EP
Neatly described by Rolling Stone as a “Bell & Sebastian/Smashing Pumpkins collaboration.” This is an infectious slice of chunky power-pop with a great beat, sweeping synths and well-placed guitar jangle, it’s immediately obvious that the a production team has brought out the best in the band. Both songs on this short EP are great and would sit just fine next to Teenage Fanclub on your ipod. The band has been releasing material at a feverish pace so check out the earlier EPs and hear them evolve.
My Space | Amazon 

Skyler “Long Gone” EP
It’s rare that I look at a teen prodigy but Skyler is a better than most, and he’s got a little Beatle in him on the catchy opener “Hold My Hand.” Plus he knows loads about rock hooks on the arena ready “Any Stupid Thing” and the anthemic jangle of “It’s Just The Night” recalls DelAmitri melodies with Bon Jovi bombast. Each tune here boasts solid songwriting and strong production. A few countryfied miscues on “Stephanie” aside, it’s no surprise that this is Skyler’s fifth EP. He’s already a veteran musician and only a freshman at the Berklee College of Music, so this is your chance to hear a future star.
MySpace | Amazon

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Hardcore Lounge, The Villas and The Rocketboys

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Hardcore Lounge “Dance Of My Life”
Some bands just don’t fit neatly into a music category. Chris and Wes Johnson from Charlotte, NC have a background with The Johnson Family Singers. The band plays in a classical pop ensemble, with a variety of instruments and players including Mary Massie (flute, keyboards), Marco Heeter (bass) and Marlon Young (drums). The clean production work showcases what could be lounge pop with an avant guarde twist. I liked the brassy “Holiday” and quirky “Super Sized” – not power pop for sure, but you may enjoy it if labels aren’t that important to your musical experience.
MySpace | CD Baby

The Villas “Jamie” EP
This Austin band’s got spunk and loves loud melodic pop, in the Weezer vein. Lead singer Jonathan Berry snarles out every tune, with a crunchy guitar by Bryan Winter. But as much as they try, the band still has a long way to go and the rough harmonies don’t quiet cut it. The acoustic “Fading In My Mind” brings to mind those old Stones ballads, and I liked this tune the best. 
Villas Music | Bandcamp

The Rocketboys “Wellwisher” EP
Another Austin, TX band creates moody pop with anthemic arrangements, lead singer Brandon Kinder kind of recalls Sting if he was part of Coldplay. “Narrow Space” opens with strong drum fills, floating synth strings and Kinder’s strong croon takes over. The band has already begun writing its second full-length, which will be out by summer 2011 and feature a bucket of brand new songs from the six-piece group.
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Baby Scream and The Brigadier EP

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Baby Scream “Identity Theft” EP

Argentinean transplant Juan Mazzola follows up his catchy debut with is this new release that features 7 songs, including 2 covers: John Lennon’s “Mucho Mungo “and Rinaldo Rafanelli’s “Ojos Orientales.” There is much more of Lennon’s influence and sound over the entire EP. Many songs use a simple slow rhythm and have a weary resignation about them. “Dead Woman Walking” sounds like a pop funeral dirge about a woman “running out of friends, running out of life.” The song “Memories” has some nice guitar work over a simple bass drumbeat that keeps things a bit more lively, but even on “Nicole” Juan admits he’s “run out of lyrics.” Much of the heavy mood is undone by the over produced vocal echo of “Underground Blues.” Fans of both Lennon and even his son Julian may like this, but it’s missing the hooks that made John’s songs so memorable.

My Space | Amazon


The Brigadier “The Edge Of Spring” EP

Have have enjoyed the music of Matt Williams aka The Brigadier for quiet a while now, and after his last album we find him stretching his songwriting legs with a seasonal theme. It opens quietly with “Song for a New Year” which strums along and builds to a sweet melodic chorus. “Be my Valentine” and “February” have a Ray Davies styled cynicism and dry wit to them. The four minute mostly instrumental “Last Day of Winter” has a magical quality and then “She brings the Spring” is very much in the light pop mold of The Orange Peels. Part of this cycle began with “Rhymes for Rainy Days (Autumn)”. I would encourage Matt to finish the cycle on his next offering (Summer). This EP is only offered digitally from Matt’s site.

My Space | Brigadier’s Site

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Bright Giant and Kevin Lee & The Kings

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Bright Giant “s/t” EP

The Des Moines, Iowa based Josh Davis Band decided to evolve into a more refined and organic style this past January and have reformed as Bright Giant. The new band has a raw energy that mixes rock, country, alternative with a chewy melodic center. It sounds a little like The Mother Hips with less psychedelic influence and more Foo Fighters injected in the mix. Opening with the distortion driven “Women” it finds it’s voice with a foot stomping rhythm and harmonic chorus.”Songbird” is another gem that starts out with heavy rock riff, but the chorus and vocal phrasing is rooted in country-pop. It’s a unique style that is sure to win over roots rockers, metal heads and a few adventurous country fans. “Jesus, The Devil & Me” is another prime example that mixes Charlie Daniels Band narrative with Nirvana styled guitar feedback.

My Space | CD Baby


Kevin Lee & The Kings “Dusk Till Dawn” EP

Chicago music veteran Kevin Lee has shared the stage with Pearl Jam, Matthew Sweet, Cheap Trick and a tour with REO Speedwagon. With the addition of Todd Jones (Guitar), Dann Morr (Bass), Erik Strommer (Drums) and Peter Spero (Keyboards) the music is very slick and production is clean on the opener “Next Big Thing” and the arena sound is big on “The Other Side” but the band pulls out the stops on “Slip Away” where the guitars churn out chunky riffs galore. Lee’s vocals at times seem overwhelmed, but they shine on the power ballad “Invisible.” This was my favorite on the EP with a great hook and inspirational melody.

My Space | CD Baby

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