Hurricane Fighter Plane and The NewNo2

Hurricane Fighter Plane “s/t” EP
Fans of Rainbow Quartz retro bands like the Resonars and Brit-pop bands like Oasis will appreciate this one. Classic influences are easily spotted (The Who, Small Faces, The Beatles) and dutifully applied. The band opens with the Mod rhythms of “Moonlight Through The Norfolk Pines” filled with Who-styled high energy guitar riffs. “Come Back To Me” demonstrates lead singer  Wesley Fuller’s uncanny ability to channel Noel Gallagher and the chiming chords of “It Won’t Last” make it a triumphant pop single that’s sure to linger – it belongs on your ipod now. And the band knows harmonies too, just check out the amazing “Free As The Wind.” Every tune here is filled with short, sharp, hooks guaranteed to please. An great debut and it only costs five bucks – so get it!

Facebook | Bandcamp

icon

TheNewNo2 “EP002” EP
The second  EP from Dhani Harrison (George’s son) collects several singles including “Live A Lie” featuring Regina Spektor as well as rapper RZA on “Mr. President.”  Fans of his dad’s somber approach will find a lot to like on “Wide Awake.” The track is a slow techno-soul ballad with a solid vocal, slow beat and spacey flourishes. “Live A Lie” is another exotic single with the flavor of a smokey lounge and Ms. Spektor’s cooing background vocal. You can get this single free on The NewNo2 Facebook page. I wasn’t thrilled with the rap, which obviously panders to Obama supporters, but maybe we can expect something more upbeat on the next EP.

Amazon | Itunes | Facebook

Power Popaholic hidden treasures

Visit the Power Popaholic Facebook page and you’ll find a chestful of FREE power pop goodies from some new artists I picked!

If you’ve never “liked” us, please do and enjoy the music for your last week of summer. If you like any of the music, please spread the word and get your friends to visit power popaholic.com – we’re looking for more fans!

Freebies: Ben Mason’s Odessey and Alex Keith

Musician Ben Mason decided to re-record the entire Odessey and Oracle album by the Zombies. Listen to it streaming here (or on Bandcamp). He does a faithful job here, too bad there is no way to buy or download. Oh well at least I can get his other music – a lovely free album Acapulco, and his discography is super cheap ($2.00 an EP).


Alex Keith is real find here. This alt. country gem starts with hand clapping swagger in the opener “Into Love and Out of Luck” and the simple strum of “It’s Good Enough.” As a free download, you don’t always get quality like this everyday with Alexs soothing croon, accompanied by Rachel Hebert backing vocals. Yeah, not power pop but I love this stuff anyway.

The Britannicas "Talking ’bout Summer"


Herb Eimerman, Joe Algeri and Magnus Karlsson are The Britannicas. These music pros have been featured on this site last summer, and today they have a special treat for you Powerpopaholics. Every note and every scene in “Talkin’ ‘bout Summer” was produced by the band members from three different countries – Sweden, United States and Australia. On top of that you can download the FREE 3 song EP from Bandcamp! Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

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