Kevin Robertson and The Martial Arts

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 Kevin Robertson

Kevin Robertson “The Call Of The Sea”

Kevin Robertson (Vapour Trails) has done it again with a decent album full of jangly power pop, opening with the Byrdsian “Ghosting” and bouncy “The Guilt Trip.” He neatly positions himself stylistically between CSN, Teenage Fanclub, and Big Star. Both songs are great openers on different ends of the pop-rock spectrum. Guest players include Scott Robertson, Nick Bertling, and Nick Frater.

Traditional country is also a large influence here, as “Windows of the Sun” shows. Still, the gentle twang on “Search for Replies” with Frater and Ahren Buchheister (steel pedal) is a great example of his subtle but catchy songcraft. Kevin’s 60s-inflected techniques don’t dominate the album entirely. But the album’s second half moves back towards the psyche pop of “Rain Again,” “Ode to Stephen,” and “Fortune Teller Lied.” Another gem here is “Long White Feathers,” with its magical bridge and “ba ba ba” harmonies to make it a standout. The production is warm and the mix is crisp-sounding (thanks, Nick!) You’d have to admit Kevin’s songs here are a step up from last year’s ‘Magic Spells Abound,’ which makes this album highly recommended.

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The Martial Arts

The Martial Arts “In There Like Swimwear”

Paul Kelly (BMX Bandits) has a lot of talent and lets it show on his latest Martial Arts LP. “Hold On Full Of Hope” has a jaunty guitar, and quirky piano melody, a mix of rock and roll with elements of musical theater and bedroom pop. The song dovetails directly into the similar sounding “Empty Out Here.”

Next, “The Attractions” boasts some terrific harmonies in a composition that brings to mind early ’80s Elvis Costello with its organ lead. “No Victory” is another great song with so many catchy details. The theatrical approach resembles Sparks on “Something in the Water.” The clever percussion also leads to a massive chorus on many slow building songs like “Working On My Eyes” and the ELO-esque gem “No Coming Down.” But nostalgic touches are mostly the window dressing, as Paul Kelly creates music in his own unique style and it deserves a much bigger audience. So many highlights it’s easy to see why this one is highly recommended.

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More singles: The Eggmen Whoooooo! The Junior League, The Bye Bye Blackbirds, The Successful Failures, The While, Young Scum

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What can I say, we have even more music to report on. The Eggmen Whoooooo! are a quirky band that gives us “Eggman Vs Hellboy” and some comic book nerds saw the video, and there was much rejoicing. I have to call out the best EP of August, The Junior League‘s ‘Nattering Nabobs’ – just listen to “Skinny Tie” and count the power pop references! Under the radar The Bye Bye Blackbirds have been releasing some singles, and judging by the strutting “The Girls Walk” they’ve lost not a single step. The Successful Failures also return with plenty of pop twang on the excellent “Costume Party.” Something new from Sweden, The While is a band consisting of power pop royalty with Fredrik Norberg(Popsicle) and Johan Bergqvist(The Genuine Fakes.) Finally some beautiful jangle pop from Spain courtesy of Young Scum with “Lighter Blue.” Enjoy!





Tamar Berk and Brian Ray

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Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk “Good Times for a Change”

California artist Tamar Berk is still emerging from the grief of personal loss. “Good Impression” is a great song out of the gate, with a late 90s pop feel and layered vocals all over the chorus. The heavier guitar of “That’s Not a Lie” is very much in the mold of Matthew Sweet and is another big highlight here. Berk’s songwriting has all this nuance, as she sarcastically states, “I didn’t know we’re keeping score.” The songs become more reflective on “Book of Change” and nostalgic on “Chicago,” very much in the mold of her previous album ‘Tiny Injuries’.

The shuffling melody of “I Don’t Mind” follows Tamar searching for answers to life’s problems, and the guitar solo here is a real treat. The frantic tempo of “You Trigger Me” is a perfect anthem for anxiety and panic attacks. Some ballads get overdramatic, but others, like “I’ll Come to the Rescue,” have a real poignant confessional touch. The closer “Comin’ Around To Me Again” starts very soft and slowly ends with an epic psyche-pop coda. Overall, it’s a great therapeutic album, and I highly recommend it.

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Brain Ray

Brian Ray “My Town”

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Brian Ray has had several high-profile side gigs (Etta James, Paul McCartney), and his first solo effort, ‘Mondo Magneto’ was this blog’s very first review. Brian has moved off the power pop radar for the past 15 years, getting more toward his garage rock roots with The Bayonets, but this new album has him drifting back toward melodic rock.

As with all Brian Ray, the guitar melodies are front and center. Starting with the radio-friendly “When the Earth Was Round,” it’s a hook-filled cry of disappointment with the casual acceptance of conspiracy theories. “Got a New Thing” is another brilliant tune loaded with harmonies and a sticky riff. “Bad4U” is a tribute to all those memorable movie villains, and on “Pirate Radio,” he embraces his inner Brian May. He still incorporates blues rock into many songs, notably “Spell Breaker” with guest star Michael Des Barres. It can get a little self-indulgent, but after all this time, Brian deserves it. Highly Recommended.

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August singles: The Burkharts, Stray Arcade, Late Cambrian, Hubbell Benson, Strange Neighbors, The Junipers

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August is here, and the heat continues. The Burkharts (from Buffalo, NY) strike California retro pop gold with “Always On The Run.” Another band I recently “found” is Stray Arcade, and I “Can’t Complain” about the music – but I want to hear more. Late Cambrian returns with a compelling pop-rock-prog confection that’s loaded with style. If you’re looking for funky pop freebies, we have Hubbell Benson, a New Jersey artist with serious chops. Listen to the pop with jazz flourishes on “Except for Him” and “Need Someone?” Strange Neighbors continues to impress with the single “Crush.” Finally, The Junipers retro-pop sunshine returns with “She Looked Up at the Stars.” Play this on a hot day, and you too can be cool.




Vinyl Kings and John Larson and The Silver Fields

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Vinyl Kings

Vinyl Kings “Big New Life”

The Vinyl Kings were once a Nashville-based Beatles cover band, that developed a cult following with some of the most Beatlesque power pop you’ve ever heard, releasing A Little Trip in 2002 and the follow-up Time Machine in 2005. The band comprises veteran musicians; Jim Photoglo, Harry Stinson, Larry Lee, Josh Leo, and Michael Rhodes. Fans of The Spongetones and The Red Button will love this.

“Smoke Rings for Renee,” a song that Photoglo wrote in honor of Leo’s late wife Renee, opened the new album in 2023. Michael Rhodes (who played on these songs) also passed away before the album’s release, so there is a possibility that this is the band’s final LP.  The journey of loss and separation served as the inspiration for these songs. “Give It Away” has some serious Weeklings vibes with its quick rhythm. “Sunshine” is a brilliant McCartneyesque ballad that sets the tone perfectly. Most tunes tread the Fab-road without feeling forced, great examples are “Long Way Down,” “Change Is” and “Time To Wake Up.” But it sometimes can veer off into cringe territory with the poorly Lennon cloned “We Are All One” and maudlin soft shoe “Soon.” Overall this album is a wonderful reunion and worth many repeat plays. It is highly recommended.

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John Larson and The Silver Fields

John Larson and The Silver Fields “Constellation Prize”

John Larson returns after his brilliant turn in 2022’s ‘Mile A Minute.’ “Don’t Look Too Fast,” is a memorable song about embracing one’s true self and savoring each moment, but the lack of guitar crunch is immediately apparent. “Guilt By Association” is another great tune, but John’s vocal is too unpolished here. John’s lo-fi, basic approach works on several tunes; “Learning To Love,” “Everything’s Easy Until You Try It,” and “Margot’s Gone Dancing.” But too many other songs feel half-baked. Thankfully the guitar crunch shows up on the fun “Stay Outta My Trash.” For Larson fans, it’s music that deserves to be heard. But newcomers might want to start with the earlier album first.

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