Powerpopholic

Ice Cream Hands "The Good China"

July 31, 2007July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic

I have been a fan of Ice Cream Hands for ages. I consider them one of the first great power pop bands to come out of Australia. With some artists you need a few spins of a CD to let it sink in. Not with these guys. The sound is an immediate satisfaction of harmony and melody. After the last album I heard “Broken UFO” in 2002, things were quiet. This new album “The Good China” finds Marcus Goodwin, Charles Jenkins, Douglas Lee Robertson and Derek Smiley up to their old tricks. Opening with “Come Along” it’s a rich full pop song that is full of the classic Ice Cream Hands sound. Best described as Teenage Fanclub meets Crowded House. The album continues with a droning riff on “In the Back seat of a stolen Car.” It then switches gears for the very Beatlesque ballad “Holding On.” Continuing on, almost every song is a keeper and the band’s maturity that was evident on “Broken UFO” is here as well, shown especially on the the very Finn-like “Anyway.” Toward the end of the album, the tone gets a bit more soulful and ends with the stunning Brian Wilson inspired “My Mother was a Dancer.” It’s hard to argue with anything here, visit the links below to purchase this. Emusic has the older stuff and if you pick up any of the older records you won’t be sorry either. They are also interviewed on PBS in Melbourne – see the MySpace site.

My Space | Amazon | Play 4 Me | JB Hi Fi | E-music link to older albums

The Fast Camels "The Magic Optician"

July 27, 2007April 1, 2018 powerpopaholic

This was the top album on rock critic David Bash’s top 2007 list and I think it deserves some attention. The Fast Camels are unapologetically rooted in the feakbeat of 60’s pysch-beat. This sun-blistered, psychedelic brand of 60s power pop and freakbeat is on the road to gain converts all over the UK and you can hear it now. “Like a Magic Optician” is a fine Syd Barrett styled single that is a real joy to listen to. “The Hump” jams with awesome twang and Drew Sturgeon’s breathy vocals that recall Donovan. The “Comforting Things” and “The 2 Day Week” has a lighter Eric Burdon & The Animals feel to it. “Can you see me?” is a great driving jangle guitar fueled song that recalls The Byrds. My favorite song here is “Big Daddy Smyth” with its great hook and biting lyrics about a guy you don’t want to cross. It also has other 60s era influences like Lee Hazelwood, The Beau Brummels and The Troggs. This is not an album that is merely influenced by the Psychedelic era. It is a legitimate companion to those great albums and chock full of memorable tracks. Original psych afficianados will love playing “spot the influence” and anyone who likes to be challenged to listen beyond the surface will love this album. For most of the fans of Rainbow Quartz artists that emulate the classical late 60s style, this is required listening. All you need is your lava lamp and some incense. It is most worthy of my top ten list this year. Thanks Dave!

Fast Camels Website | MySpace | E-Music | Amazon

Jeremy "New Day Rising"

July 25, 2007July 17, 2017 powerpopaholic

Jeremy Morris is at again. To me the amazing guitar work is what makes Jeremy stand out from a sea of other instrumentalists. This new 2007 release is a collection of melodic acoustic guitar pieces similiar in style and approach to “Still Waters”. Fans of progressive guitar will love this cd. It contains 10 Jeremy originals, a Pink Floyd cover and a Genesis cover. Time to relax and let the sounds just drift over you. Sometimes I can almost “hear” lyrics in the strumming on tunes like “Child’s Play” and “Sand in the Sun.” If traditional classical acoustic is your cup of tea, then listen to “Timeless.” Much of the wonderful sound reminded me of my favorite Phil Keaggy album “The Master & the Musician.” If you don’t have that one — it is worth seeking out as well.

Get direct from Jam Recordings

Arthur Yoria "I’ll be Here Awake"

July 23, 2007July 7, 2024 powerpopaholic

Excellent Modern melodic rock is the name of the game for Arthur Yoria. The dominating riffs and techno beats are very catchy on “I’ll be Here Awake” and “Permanent.” Fans of Rooney, Brendon Benson and The Strokes will flip for Yoria’s stylistic production. “Sleep is on the Way” a hearty guitar fuelled tune that borders on the epic anthem. “She Looks Like You” is another great anthemic rocker that will have you dancing in no time and shaking to the beat. “P.S.A.” is a piano based, hook-filled gem that does everything Fall Out Boy wishes he could do – emotion with absolute honesty. “I’ll Pretend” is a powerful rocker that Rooney fans are sure to enjoy, with its driving guitar, excellent melodic riffs, and catchy beats. “Sevilla” is an interesting song that starts off like a quite ballad with crashing buzz of a chorus, making it very cinematic. Last year Craig Bartock had a similar approach, that came out of nowhere and blew me away. Every song here is a keeper and Yoria’s sound is a welcome approach for a singer/songwriter. This album came out about two years ago, but I’ve just found it and boy, I’m glad I didn’t miss it.

Arthur Yoria Website | My Space | Kool Kat Musik | CD Baby | Not Lame

Keith LuBrant "Searching for Signal"

July 22, 2007July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic 1 Comment

This adult contemporary pop release follows in the footsteps of greats like Doug Powell and Cliff Hillis. The first song is the catchy title tune “Searching for a Signal” and Keith gets some help from Power pop fan favorite Jim Boggia. The songs benefit from strong lyrics and clean studio production as well as melodies. Keith’s vocals are strong here, not unlike John Faye or Roger Manning. The Manning comparison comes forth on “Postcards and memories” with guest Mike Viola (Candy Butchers). My favorite song here is the coping song “I Survived” it has lots of great guitar work and insightful lyrics. Occassionally the songs evoke a roots based sound similar John Cougar Mellencamp on many tracks, like “My own way” or “easier.” The mid-tempo “Disconnected” chorus has a little Rundgrenesque quality to it. Sometimes the songs are really good, but missing the hooks to make it great (“Independence”). That said, it is a strong release that would be a good addition to your collection. You can listen to samples of the entire album streaming from Keith’s site and he’s got some neato bonus tracks online via a secret link code in the liner notes.

Keith LuBrant Website | My Space | Kool Kat Musik | CD Baby

Listen to “Searching for a Signal” sampler