Tag: Chris Richards

EP Reviews: Andy Reed, Chris Richards, Pelicans and Their Allies

powerpopaholic

Andy Reed “Relay Vol.1”

This is Andy’s first solo release since 2008. This is part one in a series of EPs to be released. Relay Vol.1 is a best of breed EP starting with the slow building theme “Waves” and the California easy melody “Dreaming Of The West Coast” being a big highlight, with its strings and crisp harmonies. The echoing influences of The Beach Boys and Fleetwood Mac are evident in the rich tapestry of “Darlin, You Don’t Know.” It finishes with the finely crafted melody of “I Love A Long Goodbye” and it leaves you begging fore more. This easily is in the running for top ten EP this year. Bandcamp only.


Chris Richards and The Subtractions “3peat”

Chris Richards delivers some covers from their favorite artists. A faithful version of Elvis Costello’s “No Action” is a great start, and continues with songs by Sloan, The Kinks, Cheap Trick, The Rolling Stones and George Harrison. Best of all this is a FREE download, so get it while its hot!


Pelicans and Their Allies

This new duo of Robert Higgs (lead vocal and guitarist) and Dayana Yochim (vocal and multi-instrumentalist) make smart, quirky indie pop with an assortment of instruments from guitars to glockenspiels. Fans of Field Music and Decemberists will enjoy this, especially the bouncy pop hooks in “Just Like July” and the sunny “I Guess You Already Knew That.”

Amazon

Chris Richards and The Subtractions “Get Yer La La’s Out”

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Chris Richards is one of the Midwest’s finest power pop stars and he continues to dazzle us on Get Yer La La’s Out. Both veterans, bassist Todd Holmes and drummer Larry Grodsky join in the fun. On the opener “Don’t Do Anything Tonight” is rich in jangling rhythm, driving melody full of memorable hooks. Fans of REM, Tommy Keene, Sloan and Teenage Fanclub will gleefully soak it all in. The next several tracks “It’s Something” and “And Suddenly” continue this pure pop bliss. The entire album follows this template, and although we are missing a slower song, or ballad you may not notice. This is guitar pop heaven, as the riffs on “Head Under Water” ring in your head.

There is a slight danger of songs sounding too similar, but the composition and tone changes keep things fresh. On “December” the band takes more of a hard rock approach and “Uncertainly” is a rousing finale that recalls Squeeze with Chris’ vocal even sounding like Glenn Tilbrook at times. Turn up the stereo and blast this one, summer’s here in a big way!

Artist’s Site | CD Baby | Amazon