The debut single “Hate Yourself” by Nashville’s Lost Hearts is radio ready gem with a swaggering rock n’ roll attitude. Max Frye’s vocals are set against a pounding guitar background and relentless energy as he sings about a toxic relationship with a former partner. Next, Novelty Island is one of those bands on the cusp of greatness (and another LP) but we have a single “Eureka, I Can See!” that will tide us over. The Blakes released some out-takes that are so good, I wonder why we haven’t heard more, as “What You Own” kicks ass. Everet Almond has discovered a very groovy Clavinet on the cool single “Insanity,” and veteran band Canadian Invasion delivers a nice freebie, Your Favorite Lies EP. I really liked “The Charms of Adeline” with its pedal steel guitar. And finally, Dazy is back with another EP of fuzz-drenched goodness called Otherbody. Check out “Every Little Thing,” “ESTAO,” in fact this is good all around. Don’t be an April’s Fool, and get this fresh batch!
And the flood of summer music just washes over you… This is the biggest haul in a long time, as bands are releasing all that music created during lockdown last year. Let’s start with a new EP from Los Angeles-based, New Jersey-raised D.A. Stern. Stern is one of those young artists that can legit be called upon to carry the torch of power pop into the future. The first single “I Look A Every Face (Cindy)” has that brilliant harmony-drenched approach. The video was directed by Dom Costabile and Andrew Narvaez. Pre-order here.
Many bands are back from self-imposed exile: Chicago rockers Kerosene Stars has a new single that asks “Where Have You Been?” a good question considering the chorus rocks! Then we get Everet Almond with a bouncy piano gem that sticks to you pretty nicely. The Amplifier Heads are “Summer Dazed” with its Beach Boys “Do It Again” vibe. Love those “mm-bop-did-its.” Gentle Hen did a summery re-mix of its memorable “She’s Got It Bad,” and it’s really good, so check out the LP it came from originally. Want some power? Get B.U.D.‘s single “What’s the Point of This (If I’m Not Into It)” it’s a bit Weezer-ish with a crashing chorus. It’s been a long time since I heard The Maladaptive Solution (how did I miss this single?) but info is sparse on them, so enjoy “Consort (Queen of Everything)” an epic mid-tempo rocker, and Jim Bacchi’s Cult Stars from Mars shows his “Funny Face” and its pure power pop greatness (I want an LP, Jim!) UK band You Filthy Dog is another EP that collects music from the past year, and “Face The Wave” and “Loved” remind me a bit of Carl Newman’s old band Zumpano. Similarly, with a ’90s vibe Mr. Strangelove (aka Daryl Bean) sings love songs for “Phoebe Waller-Bridge” and it’s all good.
Auckland, New Zealand indie-rockers the Beths have a terrific debut that checks all the right boxes. Lead by the angelic vocals of lead singer Elizabeth Stokes, she hooks you right away and keeps you listening. The album focuses on her lack of confidence, self-doubt and does it with tight songwriting and punk-fueled energy. Prior to forming the band, all four members studied jazz at the University of Auckland, but this ain’t jazz. It is pop perfection.
It starts out slowly with the unassuming “Great No One” but by the chorus, you are hooked. The title track is a mainstream “hit” if ever there was such a thing with buzzing riffs underneath Stokes high chirp and soft emotions. “Uptown Girl” is a frantic power pop gem with innocence and fun riffs that don’t quit about “going out tonight.” Jonathan Pearce is an excellent guitar lead as his riffs on “You Wouldn’t Like Me” and “Happy Unhappy” push the narrative along. The chaotic “Little Death” is more introspective, as the longer songs here tend to be. “Whatever” is the final catchy gem. There are so many good tunes here, all memorable, that grow on you very quickly. This makes it a nominee for my top ten of 2018 list.
New York singer-songwriter and drummer Everet Almond was on my radar in 2015 with his first EP, but this year he has released a boatload of music. This self-titled LP starts with a very Beatlesque gem “Local Magistrate” full of big piano chords and harmonies. The bouncy “I Love You” is another pop gem that’s got some McCartney DNA and the easy strumming style of “I Saw Her In The Morning” is another compelling acoustic tune with a sweet middle eight.
The piano tunes “Beautiful Neighbor” and “Anytime You Need” recall late era Stories with its harmony-laden choruses. Most everything here works, and he continues to produce EPs that are worth exploring. And if you want to explore the whole bag of Almond’s past work, Kool Kat Musik has several other collections including Windsor Field and Introduction to Everet Almond. So far everything here is highly recommended.
Italian power pop band Radio Days has a new 4 song EP as the band stretches its wings into a punkier sound on “Time Is Over,” and the ballad “Sometimes” recalls early John Lennon solo. A jangling romantic version of The Ramones “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” is cool and we end off with the surf guitars of “El Delfin Y El Varano.” Get it on Amazon.
Everet Almond is back with his third EP, the opening glam guitar and simple lyrics sound like a mix of Marc Bolan and McCartney. The jangling melody of “Be Where You Are” and “Right Kind of Lover” are terrific songs. I think Everet is ready to release a full-length LP at this point.
Jeff Litman has a FREE download for you with his “Next Affair,” as he mixes the styles of Prince and Elvis Costello, and it is a unique sounding single. Check it out.
The Death of Pop has a new EP out called “Heads West.” The song “700 Spas” has a good contrasting combo of furious percussion, synth, and airy light vocals. It’s short and sweet. Fans of Sparks will love this one.
Chicago musician Dan Rico’s take on glammed-up blues pop is solid here on “Flesh & Bone,” sure to bring up memories of Marc Bolan. “Gold Volvo” also features some nice guitar work.
Everet Almond delivers a demo EP, “The Starlight” is a good acoustic number with attitude. “Summertime” has that McCartney bass line, and “Call My Name” features piano by his son Waylon (age 6). A fun little EP that’s a FREE download.
Brand new single from the upcoming Rum Bar Records release Justine and the Unclean ‘Get Unclean’ has lead singer Justine Covault pleading with her idiot boyfriend, also check out the related “Love Got Me Into This Mess” both are FREE Downloads and both rock!
The super talented Andy Reed released this single under the moniker The Reed Brothers featuring Jason Reed. This advance single will be part of a full-length concept album in 2018.
Minneapolis synth player YYY does the whole Pet Sounds album. Features many guests and to some, this is interpretation may be sacrilege. On the other hand, it’s tough to mess up Brian Wilson and some of this is quite lovely (“You Still Believe In Me” and “Caroline No”). A FREE download.
