All Star End of August Singles: Geoff Palmer, Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., Chris Price, Brad Marino, Thomas Walsh, Sofa City Sweetheart

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Not everything comes out on Bandcamp, and I have to recognize that some of the biggest players in power pop also use YouTube. Geoff Palmer (The Connection) is prepping a new album with Ramones-like “Give It Up,” and it sounds fantastic. Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (Lickerish Quartet, Jellyfish) gets back to basics on “I’m Starting A Band” and is joined by the great Chris Price on “Rockin’ It Our Way.” Geoff’s ex-bandmate Brad Marino is also doing some damage with the new single “Lucy.” Thomas Walsh (Pugwash) has “A Good Day For Me” that doesn’t stray far from his band’s roots, still as melodic as ever. Finally, Sofa City Sweetheart offers a bright sunny gem in “It Wasn’t You” a love song that isn’t quite that, but what a vibe here. With September almost here, we’ll soon say goodbye to summer and move into the busiest month for music releases. Stay tuned!




Tamar Berk and Dan Kibler

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Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk “tiny injuries”

Tamar is reinventing herself in tiny injuries as she moves from grief to acceptance following the death of her father.  The opener “If U Know, U Know” has her soft vocal contrast with the loud guitar riffs, similar to Alanis Morissette or Aimee Mann. With a strong, catchy chorus and numerous layers of overdubbed guitars to give it weight, “Sunday Driving” is another powerful song. Some of the lyrics are profound and thought-provoking.

Next, Tamar’s lament “What’s Become of Me, my Friend” is about the constantly shifting emotions following a life-altering incident, and “Cash Out” explores similar quieter territory. Tamar’s compositional skill has also improved with the sophisticated “Permanent Vacation” and standout “Drop In The Bucket,” both multi-layered gems that beg repeat listens. The emotions in the songs are all heartfelt, not as raw as Start At The End, but this makes it a more balanced album. There’s not a weak track in the bunch, and plenty of gems make this highly recommended and worthy of my top ten albums list for 2023.

Amazon


Dan Kibler

Dan Kibler “Idiomatic”

Pennsylvania native Dan Kibler was a singer-songwriter who was influenced by Neil Young and the Dwight Twilley Band. I haven’t heard much since the Capsule album in 1998, so this new project was a pleasant surprise. Dan started “Idiomatic” in 2019 with Michael Giblin (The Split Squad, Parallax Project) to serve as sound engineer and bass player, and Tom Kristich (The Jellybricks) was added on drums. The pandemic put a year-long hold on things but it was worth the wait.

Fans of Bill Lloyd and Twilley will enjoy this album, “This World” has a great anthemic chorus, and “Rail Me Down” has a great twangy guitar solo midway through the chugging verses. Dan plays that fine line between roots rock and power pop, as “See You There” boasts a confident strum, as does “Don’t Go For The Money” which focuses on finding happiness through creative endeavors. “Mystery Girl” is the closest you get to straight power pop, but what really compels you is Dan’s voice, both smooth and weary best shown in “Words.” Highly Recommended.

Kool Kat Musik


August EPs and singles: Pretty Flowers, Tracy Shedd, Tony Molina, Lemonade Shoelace, Elephant Stone, Råttanson

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It’s getting hotter out there. Love the Pretty Flowers new video, as the band will “rescue indie rock from the brink of extinction,” with their new single “Hit Nothing.” Look out for the album review soon! Next, Tracy Shedd has “Let it Ride” a summertime indie pop anthem about being patient and trusting your gut, with the soothing bassline and hypnotic rhythm. Tony Molina‘s melodic jangle-fuzz returns with a new album on the way, we get a preview with “I’m Not Down.” If you’re looking to expand your psych-pop horizons then check out the EP by Belfast’s Lemonade Shoelace. The spacey pop is akin to bouncing on clouds, as described in “Hopscotch in the Sky.” Another psych-pop mention is the new Elephant Stone single “Lost In A Dream.” A band that really deserves serious consideration is Råttanson. These Swedish garage guitar masters light it up with the new EP “Trebled Region.” Lots of new releases to highlight, so stay tuned.