Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic
Tristan Armstrong and The Campbell Apartment
Tristan Armstrong “The Lonely Avenue”
If first impressions are everything, then Ontario’s own Tristan Armstrong kicks down the door with a power pop punch on The Lonely Avenue. From the very first title track, it’s clear this isn’t some casual stroll—Armstrong is speeding down melody lane with the windows down and the volume cranked. Armstrong wears his influences like a badge of honor. We’re talking the cream of the crop: Pete Townshend’s swagger, Alex Chilton’s cool, Matthew Sweet’s melodic chops, and a touch of Redd Kross’s playful bite.
The slow ballad “Periscope” comes up next, and shows a pensive cool with a terrific blues guitar solo midway through. As a co-founder of the roots rock outfit The Actual Goners, he knows his way around a melody. Those Americana influences still peek through like an old friend, examples of this are “Sing In Your Sleep,” “The Lender,” and “Would You Take An IOU?” In addition his heart clearly beats to the rhythm of crunchy guitars and sugar-coated choruses here, shown in “Queen of Diamonds,” and the hook filled “On The Run.” Overall a refreshing mix of the melodic and mellow. Highly Recommended.
The Campbell Apartment “(510)”
The Campbell Apartment, led by singer-songwriter Ari Vais, returns with their eighth album, (510)—a nod to his area code in Oakland, California. The album dives deep into themes of fatherhood, isolation, addiction, and love. The songs vary in style, from angry rock to trippy lightness.
Standout tracks include “30,000 Days,” an opener buzzing with garage-rock grit and a nostalgic, and “In My Dreams” has a catchy Lennon-esque vibe. The trippy “Ambulen” is another winner and “Tululah Says” delivers an infectious mix of punk and garage rock. Both “Grudge” and “Biter,” which lean into growling guitars and pounding percussion and radiate raw, primal energy, demonstrate Vais’s affection for Nirvana. The shimmering “What’s Goin On” starts with a ’60s pop-rock sweetness before shifting into a rugged garage-rock finish, but one of my favorites here is “Winter 2028,”which is similar to They Might Be Giants in political themed humor. (510) is a powerful demonstration of excellent songwriting and The Campbell Apartment’s persistent creative spark that is both raw and retro. Highly Recommended.
Nick Frater and Brad Marino
Nick Frater “Oh Contraire!”
Nick Frater returns with ‘Oh Contraire’, a stunning power pop achievement that cements his place among the genre’s best. Although Frater has consistently produced memorable hooks and harmonies, his daring arrangements this time broaden his overall style. Many highlights here, the best being “I Know You Know I Know,” a memorable single with glam rock-inspired riffs and along with “One Minute” and “My Heart’s in Stereo,” it echoes Jeff Lynne’s signature production style. And when he wants to create a grand epic sound it’s no issue with “Songs For The One-Eyed City” loaded with descending guitar riffs, bells, echoing harmonies and a heavy rhythm section. Frater seamlessly blending his influences without losing his own distinct voice.
Another big highlight is “Dreaming of a Wonderland” which sounds like a lost 10cc single to me. The mellow 1970s-inspired lounge pop of “Seraphim Called” and “Steal Away” are also refreshingly familiar, while the piano closer “Goodnight, Goodbye” is a McCartney-esque gem. Oh Contraire boasts a star-studded guest list, including Probyn Gregory, Michael Simmons, Cary Grace, and Texas power pop duo Lannie Flowers and Danny Wilkerson. Their contributions enhance an already great record, proving Frater’s ability to bring out the best in his collaborators. Without a note of filler, this one is a contender for my top ten of 2025. Highly Recommended.
Brad Marino “On The Brink”
Brad Marino’s latest release is a collection of 19 rarities, remixes, and unreleased tracks, carefully curated, remixed, and remastered. Known for his consistent output of high-energy rock, Marino unearthed a treasure trove of songs that showcase his signature blend of classic rock, and punk influences. ‘On The Brink’ leans more towards early rock and roll as a template, not that far from his old band The Connection.
If you’ve never heard Marino before, this is a great “instant” record collection. I love the re-made “Peggy Sue Got Married,” a shout out to Buddy Holly. Marino’s variety is on display too, from the mid tempo “Not Fooling Me” to the Ramones inspired “Hamburger U.” Included is the standout single duet “Over My Head” with Natalie Sweet. Overall a fun collection. Highly Recommended.
Vanilla and The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco
Vanilla “Pish Posh”
Pacific Northwestern power poppers Vanilla have finally completed their massive Pish Posh album project. Jayson Jarmon (Liar’s Club), Sean Gaffney, Mark Simmons, Scott Warfield, James Peterson started laying tracks down in 2023 as a song-a-month project. Ending with a massive pile of 36 songs, you are guaranteed to find more than a few gems here. In fact, the batting average is very high. While some songs are interesting, like “S1 E1” with its Russian klezmer style, I tended to stick with more traditional power pop oriented tracks like “Situtation Change,”“Fine Line,” and “Shuttlecock.”
There is some fun experiments that I also found compelling, like the dichotomy of “Second String” with its light jangling guitar with heavy deep chorus and the very Penny Lane flavored “Pancake Hat.” Another gem “Coil Memory” boasts a great brass introduction and recalls late period John Lennon. The light Bossa nova beat “She Loves Me Not” is a breezy duet with Jessica Van Horn and a very XTC-like “Solar Plexus” loads it up with some great chord shifts in the verses. So many different subjects are here, like the political “Blame the System” is almost an American protest in the spirit of 80’s band Midnight Oil or the poignant “The Hunger Artist” opining on the struggling state of the average musician. You will find a lot of variety stylistically too. For the equivalent of a three-album set, this is definitely a highly recommended box of assorted chocolates. Indulge yourself!
The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco “Are You Sure?”
These guys are like Steely Dan from an alternate universe, lead by musician Malcolm Moore and with lyricist David Myers, and multi-instrumentalists Paul Mason and Patrick Duffin. While they may sound similar to the famous Becker-Fagen duo, they are decidedly unique with strange stories and offbeat wonderfulness. “Strictly Hickory” will just stick with you like a commercial for an Alabama pork belly rub. It’s all light fun with some really serious musicianship. In fact it does take a few spins to stick, since each composition is loaded with melodic twists and turns. “Happy Couple” has some great bits and a fantastic guitar solo, but the ever repeating chorus does wear out its welcome.
“Bench Warmers” has a retro fifties rhythm and a smooth chorus and is another big highlight, and “Do You Think I Might Be Jesus?” has an interesting analogy in the story and its got some great sonic details. However, the formula here doesn’t always work and the stream of consciousness song structure can get frustrating for some listeners. But if you are looking for something left of center the 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco might be your cup of tea. Check it out.
The Jellybricks and The Moles
The Jellybricks “Dreaming in Stereo”
Natives of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania The Jellybricks have a lengthy rap sheet and have always been a very strong power pop band. After joining Wicked Cool Records in 2019, the ‘Bricks reached their full potential, and with every additional release, they improve their sound. It begins with the upbeat song about misinformation, “Age of Stupid,” very akin to classic Green Day. “Dreaming In Stereo,” the title track, is a showcase of the band’s full sound, loaded with hooks and harmonies.
But the confessional “Sound of a Broken Heart” is a surefire hit here, packed with emotion and a great hook. The band’s music has evolved to include the contemporary rocker “All About You,” which features rapid-fire lyrics and groovy licks. “Monday’s Never” feels like a surly response to The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love,” and while the second half doesn’t quite match the fantastic first half, there are plenty of gems here, including “Enchanted I Am,” the long player “Crazy Weather,” and the brilliant closing “Shine On.” Without a doubt, highly recommended.
The Moles “Composition Book”
Australian musician Richard Davies has long been under the radar with his bands The Moles and Cardinal, yet his music has built a solid cult following. The Flaming Lips, for example, covered his music and supported him back in 1995. Davies creates subtle, melodic indie rock tunes that are occasionally dissonant and melodic at the same time. He was a great interview early last year on his odd history in the music business.
With Composition Book, he strums acoustic guitar and adds female vocals on the opener “Feel Like A Dollar.” Davies delights with his incisive humor and lyrical weirdness on this opener, but it sticks. The simple piano repeated sequence on “Alvin Hollis,” grows organically with off kilter Velvet Underground touches, Who call outs “Lost Generation” reminds us of how “out there” Davies can be. This is an album to experience as a work of abstract music art. Highlights include “Tragedy,” “Since I Don’t Know When,” and the acid-laced “Blow Yer Mind.” Like all of his Moles music, this isn’t for everyone. But those in the know will absolutely love it.