Category: international power pop

Coke Belda and The Expected

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Coke Belda

Coke Belda “Nummer Zwei”

On his debut album German musician Coke Belda proved his mastery of power pop style and production techniques. Belda takes the next step by crafting irresistible ear candy on Nummer Zwei (Number Two).  The illustrious Alan Haber introduces the very Jeff Lynne-like “Rainbow”  with its layered harmonies and strong synth lead. “You’re Not in Love” has a shimmering guitar rhythm and a catchy melody. And each song that follows keeps the quality high, “Hold Me Tight” is another winner that recalls Pilot.

The joys and frustrations of songwriting are part of the ballad “Songwriting” and “Another  ****ing Song,” the latter ending with high falsetto harmonies. While the musical techniques are sharp, its the song composition that really impresses here, “Where I Am” is a great example that hits all the right dramatic notes with George Harrison styled guitar flourishes. Belda is also fairly consistent with his style, there is no doubt that this makes my top ten list this year. As a bonus, if you buy Belda’s new LP, you’ll get a free download of his debut album!

Bandcamp only


The Expected

The Expected “Radio Night” EP

The Expected is a melodic rock/power pop band from Finland. The opener “Free Me” is a model of quiet/loud contrast with a riff heavy chorus of “Free Me Now or Forever Be Damned.” It’s a great single that deserves a spot on your playlist.  The title track “Radio Night” is a showcase for lead singer Janne Äyräväinen and his layered harmonies with echoing guitar goodness are in the chorus. “Songs Of Hate” has a more anthemic chorus and is driven by drummer Tero Rikkonen’s beats.  The European accents are barely noticeable and overall we have a great start for this rocking quartet. Check it out.

Amazon | CD Baby

Power Pop en Español: Jose Estragos and Super Ratones

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Jose Estragos “Vol.3”

Madrid Spain has always been a bastion of power pop talent. I was lucky to catch Jose at IPO in New York last week while he was fresh promoting his third album. Jose is an avid Beatles fan, and its shows from his Merseybeat music recorded in Abbey Road studio #2  to his album cover drawn by the legendary Klaus Voorman. This third album completes a trilogy, the earlier albums are available in the USA.

Jose Estragos II | Jose Estragos I | Amazon Spain

Súper Ratones “Mancha Registrada”

This Argentine band has been around since the late ’90s and remains active today. A good place to start would be Mancha Registrada (2000), with influences ranging from Beach Boys, Beatles, ELO and Queen. “Como Un Fantasma” could almost be a James Bond theme, with its dramatic guitars and “Otro Dia En La Vida” certainly has excellent pop production with soaring choruses and punctuating strings. The album was produced by Los Pericos’ guitarist Juanchi Baleiron and “Cómo Estamos Hoy” was a big hit in Argentina. Even though Súper Ratones never broke through to the USA, they still deserve to be heard by power pop fans.

Amazon

International Power Pop: Cola Jet Set, The Seasongs, and Liquid Breakfast

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Cola Jet Set

Cola Jet Set “Fin Del Mundo” single

In Madrid, Spain Elefant Records has a lock on girl bands with influences in British sixties sound (The School, Primitives) but Spanish band Cola Jet Set is special in that they get the era perfectly. Fans of The Byrds and Jackie Del Shannon will enjoy it immensely.

Guitarras Y Tambores (last album)

The Seasongs

The Seasongs “Buscando el sol “

The Seasongs were featured a few years ago and they have a new album ready. The band decided to record this album entirely in Spanish (with the exception of “Mr. Porfidus & The Dream Bakers”) and a lighter sound is what makes makes this one different. “Alguna Vez” boasts some nice harmonies and chord shifts, and the late ’60s is still a big influence on “Eres Cruel” and “Sin Ti.”

Amazon


Liquid Breakfast

Liquid Breakfast “Let it Be 77 Again/Do it No More”

The states aren’t the only place where old rockers come out of retirement. Ronald “Rebel” Welgemoed is a singer/songwriter from The Netherlands who was in several late ’70s bands (Rotjoch, Rebel) but got together with some friends to form Liquid Breakfast.  Check out the new single! Fans of The Stiffs and The Beat may like this one.

Amazon

International Power Pop: El Inquieto Roque

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The Intercontinental Rip Off Artists

El Inquieto Roque “3D”

On occasions I’ve reviewed foreign albums, but this one is special.  Translated the name is “Restless Rogue” and he’s an inspiring and talented musician from Valencia, Spain. This wonderful melodic pop magic is like a Spanish mix of ELO and Jellyfish. If someone wants know how power pop translates outside of the USA, this is a textbook example of the genre at its best. Even if you don’t know a word of español, you will still find yourself humming the melody to “Hay Algo Muy Dentro De Mi” (roughly translated to “There’s Something Inside of Me”).

The production is professional and crisp throughout. Whet your appetite with the multi-tracked vocals of “Chiliburguer” reminding me of both ELO and Pilot singing about their favorite lunch. “Cada Dia” has a jangle similar to Teenage Fanclub, and the Beatlesque Rickenbacker guitar makes “Tengo Algo Que Decirte” another “must-listen” song. The three part harmonies on “Coffee Break” (which include a few words of English) is another modern, catchy gem. Honestly, no filler here  and I swear if this was in English it would be in my top ten for 2014 easily, but I can confidently call this my favorite foreign language power pop album this year.

power pop

Get this album only at Rock Indiana Records
In this country El Inquieto Roque’s 2011 album Plan B is available.

Tommy Lorente and The Y Axes

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Tommy Lorente “Un cruel manque de tendresse”
It’s rare I hear a power pop musician from France, but Tommy Lorente is a genuine talent. Coming across like a French version of Kurt Baker, the album title translates to “A severe lack of tenderness,” and it bursts forth with a great opener “Ma Dose de Toi.” A little bit of Elvis Costello and Rockpile go a long way to making this a fun listen.

The caveat is that the entire album is sung in French, but even if you don’t comprendre les mots you’ll enjoy the hand clapping, toe tapping “Mirabelle” and sweet strums of “Quelque Part.”  Another highlight is “Katerine,” with its catchy main guitar riff and cowbell beat. No duds here and the production is clean with heavy percussion and horns underneath those riffs. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Itunes

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The Y Axes “Sunglasses and Solar Flairs”
San Francisco Y Axes fall along the lines of ’90s indie pop, so fans of The Primitives or The Sugarcubes will enjoy the bright vocals of lead singer Alexi Belchere on the opening track “Sunglasses.” The lush synth textures mixed with sharp rhythm guitar on “Nothing With You” make this a highlight. But my favorite track here is “Green To Gold” with its textured dance beats and layered chorus.

A little of the Y Axes goes a long way, so more generic tracks like “Loop Machine” and “Rivers” don’t stick despite the slick production work. “Chemicals” is an almost-hit, with its anthem-like chorus that rescues the song. “Artax” is another notable guitar/synth combo with Alexi’s chirping vocal. Give it a try for only $5 on Bandcamp.

Bandcamp