20th Century Boys “20th Century Boys”
The debut album from 20th Century Boys doesn’t just flirt with nostalgia—it grabs it by the collar and drags it onto the dance floor. With a sound that fuses the glittering swagger of ‘70s glam rock with the raw energy of pub rock, this Fullerton, California-based trio delivers the goods you’d expect from a Rum Bar Records band. The group is Jeff Moses (lead vocals, guitar,) Mike “Rocko” Occhiato (bass,) and Jason Hubbard (skins).
Right out of the gate, the album’s opener “Suzy” pulses with an anthemic urgency, and even better is the follow up “Cuz I Want To” follows the Stones playbook, with cocky glee and buzzing riffs. Tracks like “Tricky Situation” and “Hotz On 2 Boogie” are brimming with power chords and sing-along refrains, perfectly crafted for late-night drives. It’s not all great, as some of the songwriting feels lazy (the same riffs repeated ad nauseam.) But there are plenty of highlights including “Come On Jason” and “Never Dull Moment,” and “Rumble At The Dance Hall.” Overall, a good debut, and I look forward to more from these “Boys.”
The Loft “Everything Changes Everything Stays The Same”
A tale of the fledgling ’80s UK indie scene and friendships shattered and rekindled, resulting in a band’s debut album finally emerging from the studio some 40 years later. Like other “lost” bands (i.e. Peach and Lee) it’s a tale of what “could have been,” and a long awaited homecoming.
“Feel Good Now,” the opening track, has a calming chorus and is the most enjoyable song here. It easily could have been on the charts alongside Crowded House. “Dr. Clarke” has a bit of the late ‘60s style that recalls The Who’s “Can’t Explain,” but the majority of the music is mellow folk rock “trying to have something useful to say” like the easy strum on “Ten Years” or jangling beauty of “Greensward Days.” While it might not set the world on fire, the steady confidence of “This Machine” and several tunes here prove more than worthy of multiple listens. Check it out the album and see the documentary below.