Tag: Calendars

More February EPs and singles: Jordan Jones, Curling, Calendars, Sirius Voltage, Little Miss Echo, Suzy Goodwin

powerpopaholic


Jordan Jones is a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles with solid melodic skills, and his latest EP, And, I, You, is a gorgeously rendered piece of 70s-influenced pop. Clear influences from ELO, Hall & Oates, Fleetwood Mac, and Gilbert O’Sullivan. While his previous LP earned kudos for its Rundgren-like rockers, this slickly produced slice of soul is another side of this brilliant artist. It’s a quick listen and likely will be on my top ten EPs for the 2024 list.  Get this gem on Kool Kat Musik.

I don’t think I gave Curling a fair shake or a good listen last year, and now it’s getting the “deluxe” treatment. The angular guitar melody of “Shamble” recalls Colin Moulding, and there is more here that deserves to be heard, especially the inspiring “Hi-Elixir.” Japan’s power poppers Calendars are back with a quick single, “Apart” and it’s great to hear them again. While we are overseas, Portuguese rockers Sirius Voltage deliver “For Your Dreams,” a riff-tastic slice of swagger. On a lighter note, Little Miss Echo brings to mind Papernut Cambridge meets The Beta Band, with the catchy “Optigan.” Finally, a Motown melody from Suzy Goodwin, mixed by studio master Michael Carpenter.





International Power Pop from Japan: Calendars, Hajimepop and Hello

powerpopaholic

ハロー·アゲイン！Here are some new Japanese power pop bands I’ve heard recently… Enjoy!

Calendars “Everything Changes”
Sounding similar to Weezer, this Japanese band gives us a catchy hooks on the opener “You Read Me.” Sung in English, this band should very accessible to American audiences with its energetic youthful approach to guitar pop. The driving power riffs on “Tight Rope” make it stand out, despite the heavy accents. Worth checking out if you like J-rock.

Thistime Records | Facebook

Hajimepop “Melodies”
 Tokyo popster is heavily influenced by Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and ELO, evidenced by the sparkling synths on “Kira Kra Star.” Sung in Japanese, the melodies and echoing harmonies of “White Piano” and “Mabataki” are light and soothing. But other tunes like “Unforgettable Love” and “Hi” sound a bit too kitschy even for me.

Amazon | Itunes

 

Hello!  “Unmastering Vol.1”
 I featured this band last year, and if you love Jellyfish styled power pop – this band follows the template perfectly. I’m not really sure if Unmastering is a single or the first track of a new EP, but thankfully we have a sweet video of the single and I can’t wait to hear more from this trio.

Thistime Records Japan | Hello! Website | Facebook