Top O’ the Power Pop Premieres: The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club and more
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.
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.
Hoodoo Gurus Interview: Chariot of The 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
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.
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.
Musicians, We Want You!
Seeing what the people of Ukraine are going through every day in 2022 is heartbreaking! Thus the need to do something, anything, to provide any amount of financial aid to this war-torn country! This project was inspired by a recent conversation with Thrift Store Halo’s Frank Gradishar and Ray Gianchetti at Kool Kat Musik, who will also be involved. The idea is to have bands from around the world offer up previously unreleased tracks to make this collection really special.
100% of the profits from the release will go to a legitimate charity (i.e. Amnesty International) to ensure that the monies go to the proper people. So, if you are a band seeing this and would like to contribute a track, please contact Ray here. As of today, no deadlines have been set for submissions but if you want to participate, please commit as soon as possible.
“GREAT MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE!” More details to come.