Tag: Chris Church

Jake Pinto and Chris Church

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Jake Pinto

Jake Pinto “Sad Songs For Happy People”

This debut from Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Jake Pinto (EMEFE) certainly pushes the right buttons, produced by Grammy-winner Ed Spear (Brandi Carlile, Lady Gaga). Pinto has a sound that evokes the mid-70s era, with influences that recall John Lennon, Randy Newman, and a touch of Lenny Kravitz. The result is a series of eclectic blues-flecked indie rock tracks.

Jake opens with the breakup tune “Gone,” which establishes the tone, but it really picks up with the bouncy gem “Sit and Listen” about infatuation with a new love, despite that he doesn’t “really listen.” Pinto is adept at making singalong blues anthems like “Home” and a brilliant melody about disappointment on “Whatever Happened?” Other highlights include the rocker “She Won’t Be Waiting” about the perils of online dating. However, several songs linger a bit too long or just don’t have the hooks. The lyrical turn on the ballad “In The Ground” is prime Newman territory, and Pinto clearly is an emerging talent that deserves to be heard. So check out this album.

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Chis Church

Chris Church “Radio Transient”

Chris Church again changes his sound for Radio Transient, as the opener “GCRT” recalls a 1980s vibe, but with a much more jangling guitar. “Going ‘Til We Go” also follows this template, which recalls The Loud Family, Lindsey Buckingham, The Fixx, or even Utopia in spots. The quick tempo, angular guitars, dramatic synths, and commanding beat (thanks to Nick Bertling) draw you in. “I Don’t Wanna Dance with Me” will have you involuntarily moving.

In a little stylistic break, Bill Lloyd helps out on the magical mid-tempo “One More Chance To Get Over You,” which is loaded with emotion and so catchy, it deserves to be a big hit. Chris does a great job with the compositions and seems to have found his sweet spot vocally. It’s one of those albums that really grows on you after repeat listens, especially the songs “Already In It” and “Far Too Late.” No real filler and Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Big Stir Records

Halloween Treats: Dolph Chaney, Vista Blue, Chris Church, Nolan Potter, Brilliant Mistakes, It’s Karma It’s Cool, The Sunchymes, Roller Disco Combo, Robbie Rist, Nick Piunti

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Scary to think October is almost over, but we’ve got you covered with great power pop. Dolph Chaney has a fun party vibe on his new single “This Halloween,” as he ends a toxic relationship. Vista Blue reliably combines Beach Boys and The Ramones on its annual Halloween EP, and Chris Church rocks with his Triple Play Single, featuring a track from each of his three LPs. Texas musician Nolan Potter gives us a frighteningly good EP, that channels Todd Rundgren, King Crimson, and more – check out “Holy Scroller.” Overall great prog-rock throughout. The Brilliant Mistakes brings us back home with “The Stories We Tell” and Its Karma It’s Cool is back with an advanced single “She Slept With The Radio On” – and I do that each weekend. The Sunchymes tap the late 60s retro vibe at “Station X” and Roller Disco Combo from Spain is nothing like their name, but they are great power pop, check out the rich “Indonesian Breakfast” and jangling “Dear Mean.” Finally, Ballzy Tomorrow (aka Robbie Rist) covers a great Todd Rundgren tune (it’s a freebie too!) and the always reliable Nick Piunti made a sweet single this past August, and it still sounds great. Happy Halloween!










Cheap Trick and Chris Church

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Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick “In Another World”

What else can I say about the longest-living power pop band? These guys have nothing to prove on their 20th album, so I will gloss over the fact that the album cover’s generic checkerboard style didn’t thrill me (even though it’s a Nielsen trademark). And at first, it seems the band is just going through the motions. But as we’ve mentioned before, Rick, Robin, Tom, and Daxx haven’t lost a step and they sound like they are really having fun here.

 “The Summer Looks Good On You” hits you between the eyes as a big hook-filled theme designed to be played loud. This is followed by the bouncy keys of “Quit Waking Me Up,” a cheery song clearly meant to lift the spirits of the COVID weary. “Another World” has those majestic qualities that make a Cheap Trick power ballad unique, and then comes the 80’s styled hard rock throwback “Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll.” Rick Nielsen proves resourceful with the catchy riffs on “The Party” and “Light Up The Fire.” Added highlights include “Here’s Looking at You,” and a cover of John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth.” Highly Recommended (what else?)

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Chris Church

Chris Church “Game Dirt”

North Carolina’s Chris Church follows up his rocking Backwards Compatible with a more personal album. His Big Stir label debut features songs that are short and sweet, but like a 12-year old’s stream of consciousness, it zig-zags all over the place. A great example of this is on “Falderal” where the melody shifts with each key change, and then it’s over. “Fall” sets the stage with an oppressive minor key as Chris sings about setting unrealistic expectations. The one-word song titles are clever, showing a subtle emotional progression.

There are some real gems are here, the blues-oriented “Lost,” catchy lead riff on “Hang,” and the majestic piano-guitar combo on “Sunrise.” Some of it gets lost in the mix as the percussion dominates some tunes too much (“Trying”) and the sound is akin to Matthew Sweet mixed with The Gin Blossoms at times. Still, a mighty fine album that deserves to be heard.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Singles: The Cudas, Ryan Allen, Empty City Squares, Mike Daly, The James Rocket, The Starbems, Chris Church, Vanilla, Richard Turgeon

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A boatload of great new singles! Check these out… and some are FREE downloads!

This is some great power pop hero worship with strong riffs. The Cudas deserve kudos for this!

Fresh after working with Nick Puinti on his new LP, Ryan Allen gets to work on his own music for a cause. 100% of the proceeds for downloading these songs will go to the Black Lives Matter movement.

New Jersey band Empty City Squares describes a world that is spinning off its axis thanks to COVID-19. The band also has a single out exclusively with Big Stir Records called “Parmenides” which is quite good.

Mike Daly is releasing a somber song for these troubled times. A bit depressing, but “I guess this is my life now, I hope that it lasts.”

NY based The James Rocket does it all right; wearing a mask, washing your hands, social distancing, and getting freakin’ frustrated with the whole thing,

Japanese power-pop-punk band The Starbems are part Knack and part Ramones. This single kicks ass all over the place.
Frank Burns was a band in the mid-90s that existed just long enough to record two songs. North Carolina’s Chris Church was part of that effort and delivers these rare artifacts. But why name your band after the most annoying character from M.A.S.H.?

Jayson Jarmon from Vanilla has a knack for tasty power pop. I love both the catchy “Easy As Pi” and the Western-styled pop of “Easy.”


West coast rocker Richard Turgeon keeps cranking out material for his new upcoming LP.

Chris Church and Strand

powerpopaholic
Chris Church

Chris Church “Backwards Compatible”

If you like heavy rock fused with hook-filled melodies, then Chris Church will scratch your rock and roll itch. What makes Church special is the details of the song, as he starts with “Begin Again” and it’s more than the layered guitar fuzz, but the addition of backing harmonies, organ and a ripping solo to the anthem. “Coulda Fooled Me” and “Dumb It Up” are straight-forward rockers, but the hook-filled choruses lifts them above the ordinary. The chunky guitar chords don’t drown out the vocals, much like Chris’s retro influences: Cheap Trick, The Raspberries, Tommy Keene, Billy Squier, and Dokken.

Church also has some top talent in the studio with him, including legendary Bill Lloyd and Lindsay Murray (Gretchen’s Wheel). “Left In The Summer” has a very Def Leppard feel, but adds soaring harmonies behind those guitar licks. “No Letting Go” layers even more guitars, and “Pop Dreams” are all about the days when every kid wanted to be a rock star; “When your best friend is your mirror…” Later on “These Daze” focuses on the darkness in our present times. No filler here, but also no ballads or slower tunes to break things up. That will not bother most listeners, as every song is really good. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Strand

Strand “Can’t Trust The Rain”

Niall Toner is a veteran musician of Dublin, Ireland. With new band Strand, he’s joined by guitarist Ger Kiely, guitarist Duncan Maitland (Slumberjet/Pugwash), producer Les Key (bass), drummer Kevin Malone (Van Morrison) and keyboard player Darragh O’Kelly. The sound is a hybrid of Steely Dan meets Teenage Fanclub with a touch of Gram Parsons.

The production work stands out here, right from the start on the smooth “Best Laid Plans,” along with multiple bass riffs and a catchy synth organ melody. “Stole A Train” has lots of nice details from the flourishes of steel pedal to the backing chorus of “chugga-choo-choo.” The jangling gem “No Underground” is an effortlessly beautiful pop composition and the bluesy piano ballad “Country That You Came From” features the subtle vocals of Niall at his best. The distinct influence of Big Star is part of the title song and “Roadkill.” Overall not a note of filler and worth multiple listens. Kool Kat Musik is offering an additional 4 song EP with purchase. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik