Category: Power Pop Review

Alex Fleuris and Dropkick

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Alex Fleuris

Alex Fleuris “A Lifetime Of Bullshit”

French rocker Alex Fleuris (Crusaders of Love) moved to Montreal to record an album and got all the demos done but along the way, life happens (Covid, day job, etc.) so rather than wait, Alex decided to release these songs, and he did everything here except a few drum tracks.

Starting with “Don’t Care About Nothing” it has that Phil Spector wall-of-sound approach, with a sweet jangling guitar break.  The Raspberries-like “I Should Have Never (Got In The Way)” has a driving riff and compelling melody. Alex’s skill here is on full display, and “Word Gets Around” is a multi-layered tune, and like the others, the solo bridge is exceptional. “Street Girl” feels like a lost ’80s pop hit, and the ender “Memories of a Sad Clown” is another example of epic classic rock songwriting.

Now this would be so much better with some professional mixing and mastering, but that said I think there are some excellent songs here. Maybe some enterprising record company will take it to the next level. As it is this is music that deserves to be heard.

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Dropkick

Dropkick “The Wireless Revolution”

Andrew Taylor returns to his main band, after a few new projects and collaborations. Dropkick operates at the intersection of mellow Americana and jangling power pop, and after nearly a dozen albums (including lockdown sessions) Dropkick moves forward in Byrdsian fashion. The Wireless Revolution notes in the opener “Don’t Give Yourself Away” that “this place feels different than before,” all to the confident melodic strums. But not much has changed as far as musical quality.

Taylor has a knack for smooth melodies, and his songs are consistently great. “Telephone” is the first big standout here with a strong chorus, and even the better “Unwind” adds those delicate harmonies to the mix. The other bandmates get props too, Ian Grier and Alan Shields on tracks like “The Other Side.” Overall Dropkick does great work here, “Wouldn’t Know Why” is another highlight with a fantastic bridge. And this is another highly recommended album.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Ransom and the Subset and Matthew Logan Vasquez

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Ransom and the Subset

Ransom and the Subset “Perfect Crimes”

Seattle singer-songwriter RanDair Porter carefully curated Ransom and the Subset’s sophomore album. Back in 2014, when I heard the debut No Time To Lose it proved Porter’s talent, but with Perfect Crimes, he’s brought a more consistent sound across the 10 tracks. That glossy flawless production makes this a great headphones album, as it straddles the line between sophisticated adult-oriented pop and power pop. A bevy of guest stars behind Porter includes Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Darian Sahanaja, Jim Babjak, Kurt Reil, and Ducky Carlisle to name a few.

The opener “Perfect Crime” is irresistibly catchy with its guitar riffs rhythmically bouncing across a chorus of “bada-ba” harmonies. “Sara Kandi” is a seamless follow-up, about infatuation with a young girl he just met. “Left Her at the Shinkansen” is a Japan-based tableau at the famous bullet train. Once we get to “One Last Thing (Leaving)” its mellow vibe recalls the recent The Pearlfishers with its smooth tones and orchestral composition. The guitar riffs return with “Should Have Said Nothing At All” loaded with great backing harmonies. The ender “Fast Car” has a bit of Elvis Costello in its DNA. While the most memorable music and standout hooks occur in the album’s first half, the remaining songs are just as meticulously constructed. This is a terrific album that is without a doubt a contender for my top ten list for 2023. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Matthew Logan Vasquez

Matthew Logan Vasquez “As All Get Out”

Matthew has been the frontman for heartland indie rockers Delta Spirit, he draws from a huge collection of influences, including Gram Parsons, Kurt Cobain, Neil Young, and Iggy Pop. The album’s approach is a potpourri of roots rock to slow jams. After the rhythmic percussive opener “Untouchable” it kicks the doors out on the catchy “Over It” a hook-filled rocker that sticks fast with its punk edge.

It then settles into a groove with “Odysseus” with its spiritual mantra “always coming home but never going home.” The anthemic “Long Line of Lovers” has a great Beatlesque bass line buried in the chorus and it’s likely the standout track here. The 12-string strums and jangle of “Shawna” and “Recognize” are flowing streams of Matthew’s lyrics that feel like a modern-day Donovan. And before you know it the pounding rocker “Can You Turn Me Up” shows up. While it zig-zags all over the place, the songs are quite good. Highly Recommended.

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Mike Viola and The Successful Failures

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Mike Viola

Mike Viola “Paul McCarthy”

If there is anyone who’s well-loved in power pop circles, it’s Mike Viola. As a producer, he’s pushed artists like Panic! at the Disco, Andrew Bird, Ryan Adams, Jenny Lewis, and Mandy Moore to higher levels. As a musician, he’s built an amazing catalog of albums, both solo and with his band The Candy Butchers. And it’s Mike’s voice on that American pop classic “That Thing You Do!” written by Adam Schlesinger.

After several “quiet” years, Paul McCarthy has Viola clearly exploring his relationship to pop stardom and fame. “Bill Viola” gives us a slice of this past, expecting rock stardom, one foot in the future, and one foot in the past as he blurs narrative lines. His hard rock style on “Water Makes Me Sick,” notably recalls Joe Walsh as an inspiration. “Love Letters From A Childhood Sweetheart” is another solid ballad, about looking back to what could have been. The compelling guitar lines on “Scientist Alexis” have serious heft, but lack the hooks it really needs. But no matter, the title track “Paul McCarthy” is a fun imaginary tale of joining The Beatles at Shea Stadium, complete with a dreamy chorus “Do know you’re alive?” Viola coasts, then he immerses himself in the buzzing “Torp” with its bass rhythm and an earnest chorus. The awesome “You Put The Light Back in My Face,” recalls the great solo rocker of his past. Viola remains a dynamic artist that keeps his music fresh, and that’s what makes this album great, and always highly anticipated by fans. Highly Recommended.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLDcvhWGnM8

The Successful Failures

The Successful Failures “Wrong Together”

The 10th LP from New Jersey’s Successful Failures finds lead singer/songwriter Mick Chorba still knows how to jam with the best of them. The potent mixture of rootsy, indie-rock is evident in the opener “Millions of People.” It’s a great start, full of catchy riffs and inspirational lyrics. In the next tune, it goes into a less optimistic “Sunny Side of Town” with a little more twang and sadness. From there it feels more like a mixed bag. In some cases, the band recalls its earlier, grungier incarnation on “New City” and “The Worst of Our Kind.” Things seem to drag after this, with the simplistic “It Is the Rain” feeling like a kiddie rocker.

It seems to get more fun with the loose chorus of “Kids from Queens” which includes a blistering solo in the coda. The blues come back in “All I Really Want” and Chorba excels at this too. The ambitious “I Am of the Stars” proves the band does really good operatic rock with notable piano and guitar call-and-response. “Flying Cowboys” is a strong final track, and while this album isn’t as consistent as previous ones it boasts several great tunes. Still, a band that deserves to be heard.

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Mid April Goodies: Les Lullies, The Genuine Fakes, The High Strung, The Forces, The Linda Lindas, Gregory Pepper & His Problems

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Looking for a little punk pop in your life? France’s Les Lullies new single “Zero Ambition” is an advance of their new album Mauvaise Foi out May 19th. The band plays it hard with nods to rock and punk influences both new and old (Ramones, D4, The Saints, The Real Kids, The Records, MC5). The Genuine Fakes are most genuine with “Websites” a very sweet song reminiscent of Fountains of Wayne. The High Strung has an album on the way too, and you get a taste with “Different Animal,” its driving tempo about “leaving shit behind.” Dutch band The Forces look to dazzle with harmonies on the new EP, and more details are in an interview on Sweet, Sweet Music blog. The Linda Lindas found after the flash of indie pop fame last year they have “Too Many Things.” It wouldn’t be the first time the music business has “killed” an artist, or that an amazing talent just walked away — but Gregory Pepper & His Problems always felt like he’s given his soul and maybe as an audience, we didn’t pay close enough attention. No Thanks is his final album, and the bile-filled hostility is wrapped up in candy-sweet melodies. Although its a name-your-price point, I’d pay a tribute to Gregory. We will miss him, and I hope his problems get resolved.




Jake Pinto and Chris Church

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Jake Pinto

Jake Pinto “Sad Songs For Happy People”

This debut from Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Jake Pinto (EMEFE) certainly pushes the right buttons, produced by Grammy-winner Ed Spear (Brandi Carlile, Lady Gaga). Pinto has a sound that evokes the mid-70s era, with influences that recall John Lennon, Randy Newman, and a touch of Lenny Kravitz. The result is a series of eclectic blues-flecked indie rock tracks.

Jake opens with the breakup tune “Gone,” which establishes the tone, but it really picks up with the bouncy gem “Sit and Listen” about infatuation with a new love, despite that he doesn’t “really listen.” Pinto is adept at making singalong blues anthems like “Home” and a brilliant melody about disappointment on “Whatever Happened?” Other highlights include the rocker “She Won’t Be Waiting” about the perils of online dating. However, several songs linger a bit too long or just don’t have the hooks. The lyrical turn on the ballad “In The Ground” is prime Newman territory, and Pinto clearly is an emerging talent that deserves to be heard. So check out this album.

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Chis Church

Chris Church “Radio Transient”

Chris Church again changes his sound for Radio Transient, as the opener “GCRT” recalls a 1980s vibe, but with a much more jangling guitar. “Going ‘Til We Go” also follows this template, which recalls The Loud Family, Lindsey Buckingham, The Fixx, or even Utopia in spots. The quick tempo, angular guitars, dramatic synths, and commanding beat (thanks to Nick Bertling) draw you in. “I Don’t Wanna Dance with Me” will have you involuntarily moving.

In a little stylistic break, Bill Lloyd helps out on the magical mid-tempo “One More Chance To Get Over You,” which is loaded with emotion and so catchy, it deserves to be a big hit. Chris does a great job with the compositions and seems to have found his sweet spot vocally. It’s one of those albums that really grows on you after repeat listens, especially the songs “Already In It” and “Far Too Late.” No real filler and Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Big Stir Records