Category: Power Pop Review

Spring Singles: The Lickerish Quartet, Johnathan Pushkar, Kai Reiner, Squire, Nerd Magnet, the Vinyl Skyway, Richard Turgeon, Kerosene Stars, Nick Frater

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As the season struggles to change, some of our favorite artists are making new music sure to warm the soul. Power pop royalty The Lickerish Quartet is back with their 3rd EP, and the lead single is aptly titled “Fortunately.” Johnathan Pushkar sojourned in Sun Studios, Memphis, and covered Elvis in worthy tribute. It’s been a long time since I heard Kai Reiner, and he’s dusted off and remastered “Cold Summer” from 2008, a worthy single, and London’s Squire reminiscences about “The Place I Used To Live,” but I like the Mod melody “The Young Idea” even better. Nerd Magnet gives us a joyous “Another Round,” and even if you don’t speak Japanese you’ll dig the power-pop vibe here. A band that really changed has been the Vinyl Skyway, as they focus on an acoustic ballad “Recover.” Richard Turgeon continues to put out catchy, crunchy rock, and his latest singles “I Never Loved You” and “Better With You” are the yin/yang of a relationship. Kerosene Stars avoid romance but sing about the “Purpose of a Friend” with an ’80s new wave feel. Finally, Nick Frater, who kicked ass in 2021 with a top-rated album, has some fun doing an entire EP of Rutles stuff.



Get the single “That All Right”









Vanilla and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard

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Vanilla

Vanilla “Sideshow”

Jayson Jarmon, Sean Gaffney, Mark Simmons are back after a retro-pop diversion into 1966, with Sideshow. The opener “Sorry” is a bright hook-filled gem that bounces along with its rhyming verse.  The 90’s jangle of “Milkmen” is a fast tempo gem along the lines of  XTC circa Oranges and Lemons. The music is frequently poignant, “Best Days Gone” are a comment on the sad state of the music industry, where artists beg for listeners to “play me, pay me,” but “I Shall Be Re-Released” brings us some hope, as those great songs will never die.

Not everything is great, “It’s Drunk and I’m Raining” is a so-so novelty rocker along the lines of the Bonzo Dog Band. The band does much better with the lush pop of “Misery Loves Company,” and “The Truth Is Never True.” And there are more than enough gems here to make this a highly recommended pick. Definitely give it listen.

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Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard “Backhand Deals”

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard. Say it three times into a mirror and the ghost of Marc Bolan appears! Not really. But this cheeky band from Cardiff, Great Britain is a true joy to listen to.

The bubblegum glam opening “New Age Millennial Magic” is catchy and addictive, but the lyrics have a distinctly dark side if you pay attention. “Good Day” may sound like happy pop, but “if you believe in something/we’ll let you die for nothing.” It’s punk nihilism with a happy smiling face. And the sound recalls a glorious mix of T.Rex, Queen, and Supergrass.

Lead vocalist Tom Rees has great range, proving it with “Break Right In,” a bright charmer about a small ray of optimism in the face of adversity. He also does well with the ballad “Yourself,” and the bass-driven “You” gives advice to “look out for yourself.” Next “Feel the Change!” boasts a wicked piano, bass, guitar combo that sticks in your head. Overall, a highly recommended album.

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Eytan Mirsky and Ex Norwegian

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Eytan Mirsky

Eytan Mirsky “Lord, Have Mirsky!”

Eytan has been a master storyteller and on “I Don’t Wanna Brag” Eytan’s self-deprecating persona gets a needed boost of confidence. It’s a simple, low-key start to the album, but on “Half Hearted” he breaks out the hooks and brass, and it’s another Mirsky classic. About a girl who can’t get over a former lover, and can’t commit to a relationship. It’s uncommon to hear this from the male POV. “The Waiting Is the Easiest Part” is a lyrical nod to Petty, but the sincerity is what is so endearing.

“Don’t Be Afraid” is another plea to commitment, and stop playing “those silly games” and some great slide guitar rounds out the melody. This theme is present in several songs, and Eytan brings it all together, notably on “What Took You So Long.”

“It’s Alright to be Alone” is a great reassuring blues tune for the dude to “take some time to clear your mind.” “Your Getting On Me” is a power-pop gem that blasts out with handclaps and a sweet guitar solo. “Smart to Be Stupid” is a father’s advice to his son about not elevating an argument, and playing “dumb” in some situations. Overall, a very entertaining album, but if you have any issues Eytan tells critics in “Watching From The Balcony,” where he notes “if I don’t entertain you, you don’t have to watch this show.” But you’ll want to. Highly Recommended

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Ex-Norwegian

Ex-Norwegian “Spook Du Jour”

The trio of Roger Houdaille, Michelle Grand, and Giuseppe Rodriguez is back as Ex-Norwegian. Spook Du Jour continues their vague neo-glam pop with solid classic influences. “Teen Bakery” chugs along with an echoing beat as “Vicious Cycles” and “Paging Lisa” feel like updated Kinks tunes for the new century. The emotional “Ciancia” has a loose composition with its cavernous approach, and “Burn It” boasts another catchy chorus with a sweet guitar break. 

The arty post-punk style of “Thot Patrol” takes over mid-way through the album and lingers. The Berlin-era Bowie influences are visible on “For Your Conveniences,” “Crazy Paving,” and “Fresh ATM,” and while very good, it doesn’t have the hooks we heard earlier on. Still, this remains an album that deserves to be heard and enjoyed. Check it out.

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Top O’ the Power Pop Premieres: The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club and more

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The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club’s new single gets a premiere exclusively on Power Popaholic! “Hold You Up” is the first single from the band’s upcoming album Please Stand By, to be released later this year. The rhythm guitar crunches along in a Weezer-like direction, as the lead riff digs its hooks in you. Add some handclaps and jangle, and there you have it  – a super power-pop single.

The Afterglows, Sam Cook-Parrott (Radiator Hospital) and Michael Cantor (The Goodbye Party) make sweet harmonies for the lovelorn, comparisons to the Everly Brothers and Beach Boys are inevitable. A great FREE download.

A brilliant 4-song EP by Scott Robertson, mixed and mastered by Nick Bertling just deserves to be heard. Each song hooks you immediately.

Holy crap, I’m in love with Jane Lane’s music. A self-taught guitarist, Jane Lane (aka Sophie Negrini) reminds me of a poppier version of Suzanne Vega mixed with Nina Gordon and the new EP will draw you into her sun-drenched, bittersweet POV.

This duo, The Creachies just trolls people like me, using “powerpop” in the LP title. Sounds like The B-52s meets The Cars, with some sweet tunes here; Check out “Rats” and “Skylar’s Hot Glue Gun.” Definitely worth exploring.

The UniBoys aren’t just some retro-wannabees, they are the real deal. Reza Matin, Noah Nash, Artie Fitch, and Michael Cipolletti are channeling classic power pop from The Shoes, The Beat, and others they’re killing it. Very much in the mold of Italy’s Radio Days. Just listen to “On Your Lovin’ Mind” and check out the very cool retro TV spot.

Hoodoo Gurus Interview: Chariot of The Gurus?

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Hoodoo Gurus

Celebrating 40 years of rocking, The Hoodoo Gurus return with a cautionary tale  

By Lee Valentine Smith

Thirty-eight years ago this month, the Sydney-based band Hoodoo Gurus released their debut LP Stoneage Romeos. The first track (on the Australian version) was their self-referential “(Let’s All) Turn On,” a swinging litany of their collective inspirations.

Fast forward to today – the global pandemic has changed the band’s touring schedule a number of times but it certainly hasn’t diminished their rockin’ intensity or overall quality of songwriting. Despite the setbacks, cancellations, and postponements of the Covid-19 era, the members of the beloved Australian band have released their 10th studio album.

Chariot of the Gods (Big Time Phonograph Record Co. / EMI) is injected with the band’s usual exuberance. The album’s current single “Carry On,” celebrates the steadfast determination of the human spirit. Likewise, Chariot highlights “World of Pain,” “Get Out of Dodge” and “Answered Prayers” deftly meld classic ingredients of pure pop, aggressive punk, and delightfully off-kilter kitsch.

Read this interview with the band, by guest writer Lee Valentine Smith