Straight from the east side of Detroit, The Romeo Flynns burst on the scene with a sound along the lines of Sweet and Cheap Trick. It starts out as a concept album about a painful breakup. The lead track “Pictures of You” has an almost Meatloaf meets Kiss quality with horns playing accents around heavy guitar riffs. The next track “Gonna Feel Alright” is easily one of the best songs on the album, with a stomping beat and a rock energy and swagger that compares well Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers. Lead singer D. Lawrence Lee’s vocals sound like both Petty and Bruce Springsteen in places. “Better Man Than Me” keeps the rock train rolling with smart riffs and a catchy chorus. It all has a retro 80s and 90s feel in places, but it delivers the goods if you want a good classic rock album. “Wasting my Heart” is more melodic than the earlier tracks with the addition of background strings and is the closest track here to traditional power pop. “Just Fade Away” is another standout track with a rich harmonic chorus. I wasn’t so thrilled with the power ballad “Kristine” – which is a bit too similar to the Kiss song “Beth” but it ends strong with a terrific cover of the Kink’s “Better Things.” A very enjoyable rock album that will thrill if you like Detroit Rock, Brit Rock and the huge sound that comes with it. You won’t be disappointed.

Romeo Flynn’s Site | My Space | CD Baby

Long mentioned on a musical “where-are-they-now?” list was acclaimed indie band The Mommyheads (Adam Elk, Dan Fisherman, Michael Holt and Jeff Palmer) and even though their debut on Geffen Records turned heads among critics, they’ve been silent for ten years since. Well, as fate would have it, the death of The Mommyheads’ original drummer, Jann Kotik, in 2007, helped bring the band back together and they decided to reform to honor their friend. They resemble less the old emo-pop tunesmiths, and a more mature Death Cab for Cutie without all the indie drama and a heaping of XTC influence. I was a bit sour on the opener “Work” – a moody excercise, suited to an albums end. But this is an album that takes a few listens to fully stick. And stick it will, from the great single “Help Me” with it’s wonderful chord changes and guitar strumming. The follow up “Angels and Weathermen” is almost as catchy with some smart lyrics as well. The songs are a complex weave of melody and meaning, for example the mid-tempo “Washing Machine” where lead singer Adam pleads “Devils grinning/my souls spining/in your washing machine” – this is an excellent track and a highlight. The quick simple pop song is still a strength here with the “Stupid Guy” – a light keyboard lead song of melodic ear candy. The rest of the album doesn’t sustain the momentum as well, but it still has moments of brilliance sprinkled throughout. A welcome reunion that deserves your attention. I expect wider distribution of the album soon.

My Space | Bladen County Records

Listen to the “Help Me”

Listen to the “Stupid Guy”