Category: international power pop

Mayflowers and Michael Holmes

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The Mayflowers “Ship Of Theseus”
The Mayflowers are one of my favorite Japanese artists, late last year they launched Ship of Theseus and it arrived here this month. The brainchild of Osamu Satoyama and assisted by Tatsuya Nishimura on drums, the band moves away from the quick three minute pop tunes of Plymouth Rock and spends more time on mid ’70s rock oriented epics. “Detroit Highway” is one such homage, you’ll hear influences from Kiss, Boston, and/or Grand Funk Railroad.

Osamu hasn’t left the psychedelic ’60s behind either, as “Flying Birds” and “That’d Be Nice” resembles the shimmering guitar melodies and swirling Sgt. Pepperisms that fans of XTC and The Wondermints enjoy. His Japanese accent is pretty heavy, so I had a hard time deciphering a lot of the lyrics, but the shimmering guitars in “Love Potion #5” are very much in the mold of Teenage Fanclub. Overall a terrific sounding album with an equal mix of rock boldness and pop flourish.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

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Michael Holmes “In A Lucid Moment”
Hudson Valley, NY singer songwriter gives us a fine example of Adult Contemporary pop. Holmes developed this album as a tribute to his parents, in particular for his father who cared for his mother as she suffered through Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite the difficulties, his dad’s love revealed some special moments, as heard on “Better To Have Known You” and “You And I.” Holmes does a fine job with the instrumentation and he keeps each melody heartfelt, another highlight is the slick opening track “Magic Power.”

The tender guitar song “Boys and Girls” is reminiscent of Jimmy Buffett and “Turned On By Your Body” is a charming and funny novelty song. The album settles into a series of light ballads, some sure to stick with you. Holmes gives you a bit of his heart, so the least you should do is give him a listen.

CD Baby | Amazon | Michaelholmesmusicnow

Goodfellows “The Name of These Girls”

powerpopaholic 3 Comments

Normally I would not recommend an album that isn’t available in the US, but for the power pop fanatic this one is worth seeking out. From Madrid, Spain the Goodfellows have a history of inventive packaging, and excellent songs. The latest LP, The Name of These Girls disc is lovingly packed in an actual denim jean pocket.

Musically, the band follows a traditional power pop template, very similar to Teenage Fanclub and The Gin Blossoms. Starting with “Virginia,” it isn’t revolutionary, but a steady jangle pop opening. The band ups it’s game with “Rocket Girl” by getting an assist from the legendary Paul Collins adding his vocals/guitar in the second verse. Lead vocalist Gabriel Palmer doesn’t have the strongest pipes, but the song composition and instrumentation go a long way on the Beatlesque “I’m Coming Back to You” and the guitar crunchiness of “Marianne.” The highlight of the album for me is “Just A Minute,” with a perfect chorus worthy of The Wonders. Lots of references to musical nostalgia are themes to songs like “Happy Days,” “Good Old Days” and even the lone short ballad “Times Are Never Changing.” Keep up the great work amigos!
power pop review score 9

Goodfellows.es | Rock Indiana

This is footage from a recent concert in Madrid, to listen to the album visit Rock Indiana.

French Power Pop? Oui! Mondrian and Julien Pras

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Mondrian “Isn’t It Fun”
Melodic alt. pop from France starts out pretty unassuming with the light harmonies on “Paris,” but the “Last Breakfast On Planet Surf” delves into classic Kinks styled narrative and beat. The quirky electro folk of “LHG” and “Rise and Fall of A Golden Boy” show a willingness to experiment, and lead singer Roman Oswald sounds similar to Pete Brewis of Field Music. You have some terrific compositions, like the dual tracked banjos and flute on “Love, A Collision” and the synth textured “A Kiss A Day.” Itunes only has the band’s EP, but that has the exclusive tracks “Whippersnapper” and a live collaboration with the legendary Van Dyke Parks “Sail Away Lady.”

Bandcamp | Itunes | Facebook


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Julien Pras “Shady Hollow Circus”
Julien Pras is one of those gifted French songwriters, singing in perfect English with a striking similarity to Elliott Smith especially on the opener “Seven More Hours.” The intricate guitar and melancholy of “Angel of Mercy” is positively mesmerizing.

Pras’ soft and melodious voice drifts through each tune effortlessly. It fades into the psychedelic “Radio Silence” and the next several tracks have highly stylized arrangements with orchestral touches, much like 10cc’s Original Soundtrack or Dynamo Bliss’ debut. But with many tracks over the four minute mark the LP starts to lose its immediacy. A final highlight is “Join The Dots” before it once again jumps into the abyss of the slow progressive melodies of “Daily Battles” and “Watchman Blues.” Although at this point the LP will only reward patient listeners, you should find a darkened room with some good headphones and just enjoy the trip.

Amazon  | Facebook | Bandcamp

International Power Pop from Japan: Calendars, Hajimepop and Hello

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ハロー·アゲイン！Here are some new Japanese power pop bands I’ve heard recently… Enjoy!

Calendars “Everything Changes”
Sounding similar to Weezer, this Japanese band gives us a catchy hooks on the opener “You Read Me.” Sung in English, this band should very accessible to American audiences with its energetic youthful approach to guitar pop. The driving power riffs on “Tight Rope” make it stand out, despite the heavy accents. Worth checking out if you like J-rock.

Thistime Records | Facebook

Hajimepop “Melodies”
 Tokyo popster is heavily influenced by Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and ELO, evidenced by the sparkling synths on “Kira Kra Star.” Sung in Japanese, the melodies and echoing harmonies of “White Piano” and “Mabataki” are light and soothing. But other tunes like “Unforgettable Love” and “Hi” sound a bit too kitschy even for me.

Amazon | Itunes

 

Hello!  “Unmastering Vol.1”
 I featured this band last year, and if you love Jellyfish styled power pop – this band follows the template perfectly. I’m not really sure if Unmastering is a single or the first track of a new EP, but thankfully we have a sweet video of the single and I can’t wait to hear more from this trio.

Thistime Records Japan | Hello! Website | Facebook

International Power Pop: Peelgreems and Los Autonautas

powerpopaholic 2 Comments

Peelgreems “Big Adventure”
This is a perfect example of why I get excited over power pop from outside the USA.  This a French orchestral-experimental pop band that fills each song with dense composition and innovative chord combos that are impossible to ignore.  Sung in English, “8th of December” opens with dramatic piano progressions, and the follow up “Acquario-Aria” is pure innovation. Fans of The Wondermints, ELO and Japanese pop will find lots to love here all from the minds of Alexis Hadefi, Morgan Agren and Michael Manring. And don’t miss the heavenly harmony opening on “Tsuruuchi.” A big thanks to Miyuki again for finding this gem.

Bandcamp | Amazon

Los Autonautas “Lo Que Quiero “
Once again we have another Spanish power pop gem from Madrid. Los Autonautas have been around since 2007, according to Facebook, “The Autonautas formed when Clara Guitar, Caesar and Mr. Pazos traveled through space and time only to land by mistake in the state of California during the 60s.” And the Caesar/Clara duo really know their way around a guitar riff. Get a download at Bandcamp or a CD through Waterslide Records.