Instrumentals: Dynamo Bliss and Wharton Tiers Ensemble

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I don’t often get to review instrumental albums, but two good ones came my way so…

Dynamo Bliss “Night and Day”
Prog-poppers from North Sweden Dynamo Bliss had a pretty cool single in 2011 called “Circadian Rhythm,” so the band felt they could build an album around the entire concept. Mikael Sandström (electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, accordion, pedal steel), Stefan Olofsson (vocals, keyboards, zither, guitar, bass, percussion), and Peter Olofsson (drums) give us an album that is mostly instrumental, it starts with a gentle acoustic guitar of “Morning On Mars.”

The synth led “The Day The Empire Fell” is an light arrangement in the vein of Godley & Creme. Another gem is “Solemn Undulating Wave” and of course the amazing “Circadian Rhythm.” Lots of atmospheric instrumentals are between the highlights, some work better than others. Overall highly effective.

Amazon | Bandcamp | CD Baby

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Wharton Tiers Ensemble “Freedom Now!”
Wharton Tiers was born in Philadelphia, but ended up playing in a few NYC bands (Theoretical Girls and Laurie Anderson) and produced with others (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr. and Helmet). He put together the Wharton Tiers Ensemble to showcase his guitar compositions.

“Shoe Nu” is a richly layered rock song without words  and “Freedom Now” uses horns on top of the guitars to deliver the melody. “The Randomness of Insects” is a steady marching riff in a loop and “Last Train Out” is based on the surf guitar sound. Each track offers something different and interesting. Towards the albums end it gets a bit more experimental or improvisational (“Suite #23”) – but there is enough here to sink your headphones into.

The Bottle Kids and Brady Harris

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The Bottle Kids “Such a Thrill”
The Bottle Kids aka singer/songwriter Eric Blakley was the lead guitarist on Paul Collins’ most recent album, King Of Power Pop. This new solo album has its roots in 70’s skinny tie pop, like The Records, The Knack, and The Beat. The first several tracks starting with “Kissing You” and “Wave Goodbye (There She Goes)” have a sharp sound, sparsely arranged with a driving rhythm.

And that’s where Blakley’s strengths lie, the opening riffs tell you everything you need to know.”Yes You Can” hits you with its punchy chorus and fast beat. “I’m In Love With You” is a bit like those old Raspberries ballads, soaring chords over a slow piano melody. And he spreads his influences out, as “The Most Beautiful Girl in The World” is done in a jingle-jangle 60’s merseybeat style. But a few tracks feel like the musical idea never got past opening intro, for example in “Careful What You Wish For” I kept waiting for a middle eight that never arrived. However, overall this is an terrific power pop album bathed in retro swagger and energy.

CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

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The Brady Harris Band “NoHo Confidential” EP
After the solid Year of The Pug, Brady Harris returns. The lovely opener “Kate, Stay Late” is a Beatlesque charmer with a wicked guitar break. The follow up “You I Know” is a low key approach, but the guitar stylings remain, and “Mexico” is a strong catchy song that reminds me of  The Krayolas and Gerry Beckley (America). “Blue” slows things down even more with its romantic ballad, the guitar is very subtle focusing on Brady’s sleepy vocal. But this doesn’t mean its boring, in fact its compelling and begs repeat listens. “Northern Soul” has a nice slide guitar and jangle, very much like George Harrison at his peak. FYI: He also has a French language guitar EP called Mectologie.

Amazon | Bandcamp | Kool Kat Musik

It’s Coming! Power Popaholic Fest on Sept. 7, 2013

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Well its official. After a successful music festival last year in Port Jefferson, I’ve decide to move it closer to NYC and make it an even better event than before. We’ve got a stellar line up of bands: The Grip Weeds, The Anderson Council, Kurt Baker, The Turnback, The Above and Jana Peri are ready for a great show at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn, NY. Plus, I plan on bringing special goodies to give to the concert attendees this year.

Check out our official poster! Print it and plaster it everywhere. Get your tickets early and tell a friend!

The Rolling Stones celebrate their 50th anniversary

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You know, if someone had told me 30 years ago that the Rolling Stones would still be touring today, I would’ve laughed at them. As the Rolling Stones launch their “50 and Counting” Tour, it’s worth noting that 2013 seems to have brought with it a clear shift in the cultural zeitgeist in which vintage musicians such as the Stones, Bowie, Rod Stewart, Dylan, Lou Reed, and Ozzy Osbourne are being embraced instead of being subject to ridicule and scorn “for being too old.” For those of us who believe that music – not smooth-skinned celebrity and youth – is what really matters, one can only say “welcome back my friends to the show that never ends!”

Late Cambrian and Street Corner Symphony

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Late Cambrian “Peach”
A trio of Brooklyn alternative rockers has a winner here with the opener “Lover’s Point.” Its got  fast paced verses and a shiny Strokes-like chorus. Heavy guitars open “The Label Needed A Single” like Sugar Ray meeting up with The Plain White Tees. Lots of energy, real-life narrative and layered instrumentation make this a fun listen.

I also liked the riff work on “The Wolf,” with its rhythm similar to The Bangles’ “Walk Like An Egyptian.” The popular single “Ryan Gosling” is included here, easily the most danceable tune on the LP. No real filler amongst the 13 tracks, even though the melodies on the first half are better. The band even manages to indulge with the instrumental “Hypgnotica/Afternoon Special.” Ends with a strong melody in “The Luddite” and the interplay of the male vocalist/guitarist John and female voclaist/keyboardist O is magical. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Bandcamp

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Street Corner Symphony “Southern Autumn Nostalgia”
Here is a talented a cappella pop group based out of Nashville, Tennessee that won acclaim in NBC’s all-vocal competition, The Sing-Off. The group starts out smoothly with the jazzy gospel inspired “Voodoo.” It gets even better with “Little Old Me,” its Wilsonesque-syled harmonies and its “ba-ba-ba” choral break. Fans of The Sonic Executive Sessions will love this.

“Loves A Loser” is similar to a Bleu ballad with its prayer-like sighs and another highlight is “Frozen In Time” with its slick hook and polished production. “Picturing You” and “Myriad Of Stars” are fine vocal ballads, each band members voice is so similar to each other you’d be hard pressed to tell who is doing the lead. The only big misfire is the ending combo of “Sicut Tempus Fugit” and “Dragon Rider” which together sounds like a pretentious remake of Spinal Tap’s “Stonehenge.” But for fans of great harmonies it’ll be enough.

Amazon LP due out in July.