Slumberjet and The Jellybricks

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Slumberjet

Slumberjet “World of Sound”

It’s been almost ten years since Irish power-pop artist Barry O’Brien decided to follow up his acclaimed debut, but he did bring in the heavy hitters for his return. Produced by Duncan Maitland, he is joined by Colin Hare (Honeybus), Johnny Boyle (Pugwash), and Eric Matthews along with original bandmember Keith Farrell. Barry’s melodic gifts remain unchanged, and Duncan’s amazing instrumentation and sonic arrangements give this collaborative album a timeless quality.

Opening with the dreamlike harmonies of the title track it launches into a Jellyfish-like pop gem with “Round x2,” it’s driving beat marches along with a shimmering guitar lead. The band successfully navigates a variety of pop stylings from the gentle jangle of “Float” to the insanely catchy “Across The Divide,” with an earnest Elvis Costello-like approach. All the songs are good, but a clear majority are simply great. For example, the XTC-like “Big Snow” is a colorful narrative from a child’s POV, about the wistful joy of a snow day. Another big standout is “Why Do You” with its sing-along chorus about repeating the same relationship mistakes over and over. The album shows a great variety of tone and never gets predictable. Overall a nice fit for my 2019 best album list and Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon | CD Baby

The Jellybricks

The Jellybricks “Some Kind of Lucky”

Harrisburg, PA favorites The Jellybricks are back delivering their glossiest and most mature outing to date. Signed to Wicked Cool Records, the band’s sound moves from indie club intimacy to arena-sized soundscapes. The echoing guitar chords of the opener “Corner of My Eye” are suited to the modern rock crowd who enjoy good melodies with their layered crunchiness, like The Goo Goo Dolls or Super Deluxe.

But despite the stylistic shift, the melodic skills of The Jellybricks shine through. Lead singer Larry Kennedy is in fine form on “Brooklyn,” an anthem which describes getting lost going to a certain gig. Catchy choruses reign on “Can’t Get Over You,” and it will stick in your head for days. The frantic “Ms. Misery” is a garage rock gem about “The girl I used to love,” who still nags at you, but one of the best songs here is “Faith.” This is a perfect mid-tempo power ballad about a broken relationship. Not everything here is as serious, “No Money” bounces along with its pop melody about simply being broke. “DOA” and “When It’s Gone” also are more alt. rock focused, it reminded me of The Mighty Lemon Drops with heavier layered guitars. Overall an excellent album that shows the band’s maturity and versatility. Highly Recommended.

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Video Singles: Eli Musser, The Turnback, The Laissez Fairs, Orouni

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So many albums of great music… so little time. These are a few advance singles to upcoming albums. Really excited to hear some of these, and I hope you look out for these artists!


Eli Musser “Smile (‘Cause Somebody Loves You)” – Eli is a West Virginian, now living in New York. This soulful track is one of the best singles I’ve heard in a while.

The Turnback “You Kill Me” – The Turnback return with this neat animated video and a “killer” single. The band plays to its melodic strengths and we are all the richer for it.

The Laissez Fairs “Lillie May” This band has the retro sound down perfectly. “Count” Peter Zaremba (The Fleshtones) listened and called it “Pretty psychedelicotic!” I agree!

Orouni “The Lives Of Elevators” The song is inspired by a New Yorker article, that tells the story of an employee stuck for 41 hours in an elevator of the Rockefeller Center. Very interesting.

Johnathan Pushkar and Velveteen Rabbit

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Jonathan Pushkar

Johnathan Pushkar “Straighten Up”

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Johnathan Pushkar now resides in Nashville, TN where he writes, records, and performs vintage British Invasion-styled power pop. If you enjoyed the Oneders from the movie “That Thing You Do” or the more recent The Last Bees, then Pushkar will be another “must-get” in your music collection.

Aided by producer Wyatt Funderburk and a classic Rickenbacker he starts with the obviously catchy “The Girl Next Door” which is sure to stay on my playlist all year. His clear vocals and overdubs are pleasant on the understated “We Could Be Together.” But he really resembles Fountains of Wayne on “Isabella.” So it makes perfect sense that he covers FOW’s “Hackensack” next. Most of the tunes fall under 3 minutes, and “Smile” and “I Can’t Help The Way I Feel” are highlights as sweetness reigns with these mid-tempo ballads. Pushkar isn’t afraid to rock, as “I’d Rather Be Late Than Never” has a rougher intro before it settles down. Overall a great set of songs to brighten your day. Highly Recommended.

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Velveteen Rabbit

Velveteen Rabbit “Velveteen Rabbit”

Velveteen Rabbit (ex-members of The Jeanies) have a magical debut here. Several years ago Bryan Scary was known to add glam elements to power pop with success, and Velveteen Rabbit has found a similar spark here. Opening with “Knock “em Dead” uses its combination of hushed vocals and thick riffs in a way that’s equal to pomp and swagger of Marc Bolan in his prime. And it just gets better from here.

“Guitar” is like a hopeful prayer similar to Chris Bell (Big Star) in its powerful solemnity. But the meaty tracks like “Oh, Logan” has a killer structure offset by smooth harmony, and the Ziggy Stardust-like ballad “Star In The Making” is simply epic. Next, “I’ll Be A Boy For You” has a Prince-like funk that struts across its bassline and “Better Than Ever” adds some mellow R&B. But it’s the slick pop sleaze and slinks of “I Wanna Be Your Woman” that really floated my boat. Not a single bad track here, full of brilliant crunchiness that mines the best of late 60s-early 70s guitar glam without plagiarizing a thing. This gem earns a spot on my top ten list for 2019 for sure. Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon

The Brothers Steve and The Embyos

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The Brothers Steve

The Brothers Steve “#1”

Former Members of L.A. band Tsar; Jeff Whalen, Jeff Solomon, and Steve Coulter were then joined by Os Tyler and Dylan Champion to form The Brothers Steve. The anthemic songwriting and power-pop crunchiness that characterized Jeff Whalen’s solo album earlier this year is even more pronounced here.

The opener “Angeline” makes good use of different vocalists, its shifting tempos and the deep rhythmic riffs before the chorus. The party time feel of “We Got The Hits,” and “She” are infectious, with manic energy and buzz. The band also builds a nice mid-tempo ballad with “Carolanne” and its minor chord shifts. The sixties roots (Monkees, The Grass Roots, Paul Revere) really show off on “C’mon Pappy,” a dizzying layered jam of harmonies and guitars. That neo-hippie flavor is also present on the four-minute “Sunlight.” The band hits each tune outta the park, and I couldn’t find a single weak track. Without a doubt, it belongs on my top ten list for power pop album of 2019. Super highly recommended.

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The Embyros

The Embryos “Open The Kimono”

To “open the kimono” in business is to disclose information about the inner workings of a company. This Chicago band reveals strong guitar craftsmanship and a workmanlike attitude, reminding me of The Connection in spots. “Circleville” is an understated jangling melody that builds up as the song continues along.

“Wake Up Screaming” has a catchy vibe, and “Ghost Dreams, Mainly” boasts moving lyrics and interesting chord shifts, with a sweet instrumental passage. While not everything here is as memorable, the album finale “Eleven Forty” jams along with some great guitar work and a solid catchy rhythm. Definitely, music that deserves to be heard. Check it out.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Highly Recommended EPs: Pugwash, David Woodard, Cape Cartel, Kid Bear

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Pugwash is one of the best-loved, hardest working bands and its talented team is led by Thomas Walsh, whose unique melodic stylings continue to amaze. This new EP is no exception and deserves to be added to your collection. “You Can Build A House On Love” starts the party and every track thereafter is a new classic. The band’s entire catalog is now on Bandcamp, so if you are missing anything – you now have no excuses. What else? How about a loving tribute to Walsh’s songwriting skill? It’s the gift that keeps giving.

David Woodard has a new EP ready, and he’s upped his game with “We’re Not Coming Back,” a Beatles-styled gem that sticks fast. The title track (“Everything in Between”) pours it on thick, with horns and a march-like rhythm straight out of “It’s Getting Better.” Next, “Nine Hundred Ninety Nine” recalls P.Hux with its melodic chorus. Not a bad track in the bunch. Get it on Amazon.

Quebec rockers Cape Cartel sophomore EP gets some influences from Beck on the opener “Vitamins,” and bounce to fast tempo power pop on “The Matador.” They also take some real risks musically on “Flying” and the catchy, breezy “I’m Still Your Man,” which will stay on my playlist for a while. Even the finale “Boy Bruiseless” has wonderful harmonies in the chorus that deserves to be heard. This is a band headed for greatness. Just listen. Get it on Amazon.

Chicago’s Kid Bear isn’t what I normally listen to, but its damn good roots-rock. A chance encounter with country legend Steve Earle changed everything for guitarist and songwriter, Matt Neuroth. As Matt tells it, “I was sitting in Matt Umanov Guitars in Greenwich Village and in walks Steve Earle. He picked up an acoustic guitar and just started strumming some chords.” Matt’s encounter inspired him, so comparisons with Steve Earle, Neil Young, or Lou Reed is purely coincidental. EP2 has some real gems; “A Simple Thing” and the bluesy riff “All The News” are just infectious. Check it out on Amazon.