Locksley features brothers Jesse and Jordan Laz (rhythm guitar and bass respectively), Kai Kennedy(lead guitar) and Sam Bair(drums). 2008’s “Don’t Make Me Wait” was a triumph of rock and pop and burst them through the national consciousness. Locksley tries their best to get the feeling of a live show across on “Be In Love.”  Starting with “Love You Too” it bounces along with gritty guitar chords and shouting choruses, it all plays with an infectious exuberance that cannot be denied. The Brit-pop guitar lines “One More Minute” and “Days of Youth” are pretty catchy diversions with easy to follow melodies. The album sags a bit with the next few tracks, although the writing on “21st Century” paints a vivid picture of a “a rebel in a three-piece suit /Two inches higher in his Beatle boots.” A favorite here has to be the early single “The Whip” which is tailor made for a sports anthem along the lines of Garry Glitter’s “Rock and Roll Part 2.” The Kinks garage-style on  “Down for Too Long” is another gem that will get you caught up in the air guitar spirit. The band stumbles on a few tracks, but thankfully there is enough here to keep you interested.  Kinks legend, Ray Davies himself commented “I got to know the guys in Locksley last year when they served as my backing band for my U.S. tour. I just heard their forthcoming album “Be In Love” and I was reminded why I loved these guys in the first place.” Overall, the album isn’t that deep, but it’s lots of fun to listen and sing along to.

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Julian Berntzen “Rocketship Love”
As a Norwegian musical child prodigy Julian Berntzen has been writing and composing his own music at age 14, and as he grew up he mastered the ability to build intricate concept albums. His latest album “Rocketship Love” is a fantastic find that draws you into the atmospheric narrative much like Paul Steel’s work. The title track has a funky clavinet with a Jellyfish bridge to the chorus. Some of the songs have a McCartney-like facination with dance hall instrumentation, as “Johnny” could be the lost companion to The Beatles “Honey Pie.” Another gem is the achingly lovely ballad “Julias Jewerly” with it’s sweet harmonies. The light falsetto and strings of “Clouds Will Pass” and “Sunny Street” will please fans of Sondre Lerche. The orchestration is lavish and other than some nostalgic instrumentals, there is no filler here. In 2008, this album was nominated for the Norwegian Grammy, so pop fans should give this a chance. Julian is also heading down to this year’s SXSW festival, so you may not want to miss him there either.

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Bad Love Experience “Rainy Days”
From Italy’s Livorno underground music scene comes Bad Love Experience. The band’s official line up with Valerio Casini (voice and guitar), Emanuele Voliani (bass and choir) and Gabriele Bogi (drums) has been collaborating with American producer Justin Perkins to bring us a record filled to the brim with solid rock and roll. Full of riffs that don’t quit – it’s comparable with Jet, Rooney or Oasis with big infectious beats and relentless harmonies. The opening “Breakaway” and follow up “21st Century Boy” are perfect examples of this. Throughout the album you hear a combination of influences from the new wave 80’s, garage 60’s, and arena rock 70’s all working seamlessly together. The fast paced song “The Days” is undeniably catchy and an album highlight. “Mr. & Mrs. Beloved” is another winner with an ever increasing tempo and volume. “Knowing All The Things I’ve Known” has echoes The Beatles with it’s pounding drums and organ lead. “Dear Maver Boy” sounds a bit like a really fast organ version of “96 Tears.” Casini’s vocals are excellent without a trace of accent, heard on the album’s harmony-filled finale “All The Heroes, Unfamous People.” Overall, a great album and you’ll have no problem turning up the volume and rocking to the beat.

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