Eytan Mirsky and Ex Norwegian

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Eytan Mirsky

Eytan Mirsky “Lord, Have Mirsky!”

Eytan has been a master storyteller and on “I Don’t Wanna Brag” Eytan’s self-deprecating persona gets a needed boost of confidence. It’s a simple, low-key start to the album, but on “Half Hearted” he breaks out the hooks and brass, and it’s another Mirsky classic. About a girl who can’t get over a former lover, and can’t commit to a relationship. It’s uncommon to hear this from the male POV. “The Waiting Is the Easiest Part” is a lyrical nod to Petty, but the sincerity is what is so endearing.

“Don’t Be Afraid” is another plea to commitment, and stop playing “those silly games” and some great slide guitar rounds out the melody. This theme is present in several songs, and Eytan brings it all together, notably on “What Took You So Long.”

“It’s Alright to be Alone” is a great reassuring blues tune for the dude to “take some time to clear your mind.” “Your Getting On Me” is a power-pop gem that blasts out with handclaps and a sweet guitar solo. “Smart to Be Stupid” is a father’s advice to his son about not elevating an argument, and playing “dumb” in some situations. Overall, a very entertaining album, but if you have any issues Eytan tells critics in “Watching From The Balcony,” where he notes “if I don’t entertain you, you don’t have to watch this show.” But you’ll want to. Highly Recommended

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Ex-Norwegian

Ex-Norwegian “Spook Du Jour”

The trio of Roger Houdaille, Michelle Grand, and Giuseppe Rodriguez is back as Ex-Norwegian. Spook Du Jour continues their vague neo-glam pop with solid classic influences. “Teen Bakery” chugs along with an echoing beat as “Vicious Cycles” and “Paging Lisa” feel like updated Kinks tunes for the new century. The emotional “Ciancia” has a loose composition with its cavernous approach, and “Burn It” boasts another catchy chorus with a sweet guitar break. 

The arty post-punk style of “Thot Patrol” takes over mid-way through the album and lingers. The Berlin-era Bowie influences are visible on “For Your Conveniences,” “Crazy Paving,” and “Fresh ATM,” and while very good, it doesn’t have the hooks we heard earlier on. Still, this remains an album that deserves to be heard and enjoyed. Check it out.

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The Power Popaholic Interview: Anton Barbeau

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Anton Barbeau

Aaron has a lengthy chat with prolific indie-pop artist Anton Barbeau. We discuss the new album “Power Pop!!!” and its songs, along with the definitions of the genre, several of his past albums, and his songwriting process. We also talk about his newly released collaboration with Scott Miller (Loud Family) and Julian Cope.

Top O’ the Power Pop Premieres: The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club and more

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The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club’s new single gets a premiere exclusively on Power Popaholic! “Hold You Up” is the first single from the band’s upcoming album Please Stand By, to be released later this year. The rhythm guitar crunches along in a Weezer-like direction, as the lead riff digs its hooks in you. Add some handclaps and jangle, and there you have it  – a super power-pop single.

The Afterglows, Sam Cook-Parrott (Radiator Hospital) and Michael Cantor (The Goodbye Party) make sweet harmonies for the lovelorn, comparisons to the Everly Brothers and Beach Boys are inevitable. A great FREE download.

A brilliant 4-song EP by Scott Robertson, mixed and mastered by Nick Bertling just deserves to be heard. Each song hooks you immediately.

Holy crap, I’m in love with Jane Lane’s music. A self-taught guitarist, Jane Lane (aka Sophie Negrini) reminds me of a poppier version of Suzanne Vega mixed with Nina Gordon and the new EP will draw you into her sun-drenched, bittersweet POV.

This duo, The Creachies just trolls people like me, using “powerpop” in the LP title. Sounds like The B-52s meets The Cars, with some sweet tunes here; Check out “Rats” and “Skylar’s Hot Glue Gun.” Definitely worth exploring.

The UniBoys aren’t just some retro-wannabees, they are the real deal. Reza Matin, Noah Nash, Artie Fitch, and Michael Cipolletti are channeling classic power pop from The Shoes, The Beat, and others they’re killing it. Very much in the mold of Italy’s Radio Days. Just listen to “On Your Lovin’ Mind” and check out the very cool retro TV spot.

Hoodoo Gurus Interview: Chariot of The Gurus?

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Hoodoo Gurus

Celebrating 40 years of rocking, The Hoodoo Gurus return with a cautionary tale  

By Lee Valentine Smith

Thirty-eight years ago this month, the Sydney-based band Hoodoo Gurus released their debut LP Stoneage Romeos. The first track (on the Australian version) was their self-referential “(Let’s All) Turn On,” a swinging litany of their collective inspirations.

Fast forward to today – the global pandemic has changed the band’s touring schedule a number of times but it certainly hasn’t diminished their rockin’ intensity or overall quality of songwriting. Despite the setbacks, cancellations, and postponements of the Covid-19 era, the members of the beloved Australian band have released their 10th studio album.

Chariot of the Gods (Big Time Phonograph Record Co. / EMI) is injected with the band’s usual exuberance. The album’s current single “Carry On,” celebrates the steadfast determination of the human spirit. Likewise, Chariot highlights “World of Pain,” “Get Out of Dodge” and “Answered Prayers” deftly meld classic ingredients of pure pop, aggressive punk, and delightfully off-kilter kitsch.

Read this interview with the band, by guest writer Lee Valentine Smith

Bye Bye Blackbirds and Astral Drive

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Bye Bye Blackdirds

The Bye Bye Blackbirds “August Lightning Complex”

The Bye Bye Blackbirds really hit an emotional and musical home run with Boxer At Rest. Their 6th album, August Lightning Complex continues their journey. The production continues to be compelling, as leader Bradley Joel Skaught, utilizes each band member judiciously; Kelly Atikins, Jozef Becker, KC Bowman, Lenny Gill, and Aaron Rubin. One can hear many folk influences, Big Star, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and the addition of Kelly’s vocal recalls a similar dynamic to The Armoires.

Starting with “Want Show As Young,” the riffs and brass work seamlessly to drive the melody. Good start, but the early standout here is “Mechanics,” with great harmonies and a hook that really sinks in. “Something From The Old World” has a thematic element that reminds me of those late 60’s Sly Stone classics like “Everyday People.” The mid-point instrumental of the title track is a marker where the approach changes. “We Got Lost” is another great track, with an epic melody akin to Wilco, full of its sustaining guitar fuzz. “Favorite Stars” has plenty of guitar muscle and the aspirational harmonies again mesmerize. The album then goes into the jam 9-minute+ “Marching” where it loses its way a bit, but it comes together on “Don’t Wait.” Highly Recommended.

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Astral Drive

Astral Drive “Astral Drive”

Phil Thornalley’s new Astral Drive album follows up from his last self-titled debut release. The new eleven-song follow-up still is heavily influenced by Todd Rundgren but with Phil’s optimistic attitude and stellar production, it’s poised to take you on a pleasant ride.

“I Can Dream” opens with a bright, lush piano single and from there Phil follows his muse, as “Waterfall” continues the happy vibes and irresistible energy. “Star Gazing” and “One Big Love” seem to channel the A Wizard /A True Star era of Todd with its spacey, hippy lyrical theme. The Todd-worship comes back on the lush cover of the Nazz “Open My Eyes.”

But Phil broadens his sonic scope beyond those mid 70’s influences. “Water Lillies” boasts some soulful harmonies, and “For the Dreamers” is a terrific single that bounces along and pays tribute to anyone who dreams big.  The trippy “Wish U Well” is a personal message for anyone who enjoys his music, it’s the musical equivalent to a big hug. Highly Recommended.

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