Category: Power Pop Review
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.
20th Century Boys and The Loft
20th Century Boys “20th Century Boys”
The debut album from 20th Century Boys doesn’t just flirt with nostalgia—it grabs it by the collar and drags it onto the dance floor. With a sound that fuses the glittering swagger of ‘70s glam rock with the raw energy of pub rock, this Fullerton, California-based trio delivers the goods you’d expect from a Rum Bar Records band. The group is Jeff Moses (lead vocals, guitar,) Mike “Rocko” Occhiato (bass,) and Jason Hubbard (skins).
Right out of the gate, the album’s opener “Suzy” pulses with an anthemic urgency, and even better is the follow up “Cuz I Want To” follows the Stones playbook, with cocky glee and buzzing riffs. Tracks like “Tricky Situation” and “Hotz On 2 Boogie” are brimming with power chords and sing-along refrains, perfectly crafted for late-night drives. It’s not all great, as some of the songwriting feels lazy (the same riffs repeated ad nauseam.) But there are plenty of highlights including “Come On Jason” and “Never Dull Moment,” and “Rumble At The Dance Hall.” Overall, a good debut, and I look forward to more from these “Boys.”
The Loft “Everything Changes Everything Stays The Same”
A tale of the fledgling ’80s UK indie scene and friendships shattered and rekindled, resulting in a band’s debut album finally emerging from the studio some 40 years later. Like other “lost” bands (i.e. Peach and Lee) it’s a tale of what “could have been,” and a long awaited homecoming.
“Feel Good Now,” the opening track, has a calming chorus and is the most enjoyable song here. It easily could have been on the charts alongside Crowded House. “Dr. Clarke” has a bit of the late ‘60s style that recalls The Who’s “Can’t Explain,” but the majority of the music is mellow folk rock “trying to have something useful to say” like the easy strum on “Ten Years” or jangling beauty of “Greensward Days.” While it might not set the world on fire, the steady confidence of “This Machine” and several tunes here prove more than worthy of multiple listens. Check it out the album and see the documentary below.
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.
March Singles & EPs: Ally Kerr, The Speedways, Pretty Rude, Slow Motion Film, Clean Lines, Jeremy Messersmith, The Cynz