The Pearlfishers and The Embryos

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The Pearlfishers

The Pearlfishers “Making Tapes for Girls”

Scottish multi-instrumentalist and vocalist David Scott has an unusual talent as a composer and arranger for making what is a labor of love appear easy. Since the 1990s, under the direction of Scott, The Pearlfishers have been releasing excellent adult pop music in the vein of Neil Diamond, Todd Rundgren, and Brian Wilson. ‘Making Tapes for Girls’, their most recent album, continues in the same contemplative vein as 2019’s ‘Love and Other Hopeless Things.’

The topic reflects David’s deep appreciation for melancholy and breakup music; as the title track explores his need to share his favorite music on cassette tape mixes for girls. “I didn’t know how to say the right thing/so I left it to Joni and Paul,” he says. It’s a beautiful, wistful melody that then leads into “Kisses on the Window,” a bittersweet breakup song, that tugs at those same feelings.

Another gem, “Put The Baby In The Milk,” boasts great chord shifts akin to Carole King, with a gorgeous chorus. Other songs here take a few spins to sink in, but they do make a positive impression. Check out “Hold Out for a Mystic” and “The Word Evangeline.” While not everything hits, David’s unique lyrical spin and meticulous song construction make these tunes special. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


The Embryos

The Embyros “Selling What You Want To Buy”

It’s only a few years from ‘National Absurdatory’ but this sounds like a new band to me. Tighter arrangements like the guitar rhythms and subtle spacey harmonies of “Fortunes” have replaced earlier loose, funky material. The power pop of “Frozen City” has a slight DIY feel, but it’s got some really sweet accents in the chorus, and then the style changes and it’s all ’90s Neo-Psychedelia with “Little Demon.” This is a great tune that has a vibe similar to early-era Dandy Warhols.

The band bounces around stylistically, but some songs stand out.  The ’80s-styled dance tunes “He’s A Hypocrite” and “Do The Donkey” are okay, but the band really shines on the melodic “Somehow She Knew” and the bass-lead melody “I’m a Man.” The moody jams “The Embyos Live” and the epic “Onandonandon,” which is over eight minutes long, serve as the album’s bookends. There are just enough gems here to earn “highly recommended” status.

Kool Kat Musik

Extra Arms and Motorists

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Extra Arms

Extra Arms “Radar”

Extra Arms, a Detroit band, has always been quite good, and on 2022’s ‘What Is Even Happening Right Now?’ they leveled up. ‘Radar’ continues that trend, and we have a fantastic album here full of infectious power pop hits that will stick in your head.

They named the album after bass player Ryan Marshall’s dog. Why not? They start with the howling feedback of “Be Someone Else,” with a killer beat, and monster energy. Influences are a great mix of The Replacements, Elvis Costello, The Buzzcocks, and The Cars. There is no “doggy-do” here, and the first 5 songs are all killer, including “Everything Disappears,” “All Good Things Take Time,” and “I Don’t Wanna Surrender.” The song “Shut’Em Down” in particular is a relentless, fast-paced assault that is ideal for your running or exercise soundtrack.

There is a breather mid-way on the smooth “Space and Time” with strategic steel pedal accents, and then it gives us an amazing closing rocker, “Mad Dog Blue,” and you can hear Allen struggling with the concept of time passing beneath it all. Overall, a great album, and it makes my top ten list this year! Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Montorists

Motorists “Touched By the Stuff”

The Motorists are a group of lifelong friends and colleagues from Toronto who, in their catchy and energizing music, combine the rough-edged fuzz of modern rock with the nostalgic jangle of college rock from the 1980s. This sophomore album has more of a power pop edge, with short, catchy tunes that have some elements of new wave mixed in.

“Decider” has that jangly, post-punk, fuzzy melody. “Call Control” is another standout with its bass lead. It’s a fuzzy gem that recalls Echo and The Bunnymen or The B-52’s with its guitar rhythms. But it isn’t that predictable, with different elements of alt-rock and occasional vocal harmonies on “L.O.W,” and “Forced Perspective.” The Sloan-like guitar riffs on “Barking at the Gates” surprised me. No filler here, and worth repeat listens for sure. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Power Popaholic Interview: The Cyrkle

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Don Dannemann of The Cyrkle

I had a strong reason for making this interview my longest. The Cyrkle, with Don Dannemann as their frontman, have a long and illustrious history, and they’re still going strong! Hear Don tell the story of how Brian Epstein, the Beatles manager, signed them as his only American band. I ask all about the Fab Four’s tour, and what its like to hang out with the Beatles at the height of their fame. The new album titled “Revival” has been released.

🎸 Read the review here. Listen to the band’s original first big hit here:


The last of the May Singles and EPs: Dolour, Chaft, Strange Neighbors, Captain Wilberforce, Night Spots, Mensaka

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A new Dolour album, Daylight Upon Magic is on the horizon, so here is the cool video for “Someone New to Fool.” Shane Tutmarc is in fine form here, I can’t wait for this one to release. I was impressed by Chaft before, so now we have a new pair of singles, and I prefer “High” with its swirling guitar rhythm. Another rookie, Strange Neighbors is back with a catchy new single, “Tell All Your Friends” and I think I’ll follow that order! It’s been a long time, but Captain Wilberforce returns with an awesome power pop single, “Holding On” which boasts great hand claps and harmonies. If you’re into that classic retro rock style, The Night Spots serve up some yummy “Dandelion Wine.” Pour me another! Finally, from Rosario Argentina, we have a band called Mensaka, and their new single “Bucle Temporal” translates to “Time Loop.” Even with the Spanish language, it’s an earworm that deserves to be heard.





Quick Takes: Penny Arcade, Peter Freebairn, and Mo Troper

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Penny Arcade “Backwater Collage”

James Hoare’s (Ultimate Painting) first solo album is under the moniker Penny Arcade. Hoare took his time making this sleepy, hand-stitched record. He had to save these songs from the cutting room floor of several recording sessions. In “Don’t Cry No Tears,” James combines his soft, sad voice with Nathalia Bruno’s smooth, warm vocals. “Mr. Softie” is another winner, a lo-fi psychedelic theme that will stick with you. Get it on Amazon


Peter Freebairn “Silhouettes & Cigarettes”

Aussie crooner Peter Freebairn is special. This 8-track LP, expertly mastered by Victor Stranges, is essential. Opening with “World You Choose,” it’s top-shelf, catchy modern adult pop with Peter’s weary, but endearing vocal. The swirling guitar strums on the ballad “You and I,” have that old-school charm, and there is no filler anywhere here. The catchy rock earworm “I Got Lucky (I Got You)” interrupts a suite of soul-searching gems. Highly Recommended. Get it on Amazon

Mo Troper “Svengali”

Portland musician Mo Troper is likely the most influential power pop artist we have now. After his recent Jon Brion tribute album, Troper Sings Brion, he is back in experimental lo-fi pop mode. Svengali has a few gems tucked away in the feedback and fuzz, like the guilty pleasure “The Billy Joel Fan Club,” and the bouncy, caffeinated “Spark World.” There are plenty of great tunes here, like “Recipe for Loving,” which almost sounds like the Lemon Twigs, and the six-part instrumental potpourri of “Svengali’s Theme.” Like most Troper albums, its a buffet of riches. Get it on Amazon