Earwig and Fernando Perdomo

Earwig

Earwig “Pause For The Jets”

Earwig consists of guitarist and vocalist Lizard McGee, vocalist James McGee-Moore, bassist Costa Hondroulis, and drummer Nick Nocera. The Columbus, Ohio quartet sets the table with rocking, fuzz heavy “Wisdom Teeth;” that’s part Jane’s Addiction and part Bob Mould. The big riffs introduce “Lovers Chords,” a anthemic punk pop gem, all wrapped with layers of synth. Earwig then gets darker with its distorted chords, a great example “Bring Yrself 2 Me” is almost an indie pop version of Alice In Chains, and revisits this wicked guitar work on the instrumental “High Wasps.”

Another great pop gem is the duet with Lydia Loveless “Wasted On You,” a relationship post-mortem about star-crossed lovers. “Shine” is a downright mainstream pop ballad with a sweeping chorus and McGee provides a memorable performance that almost demands you take out your cigarette lighter and sway. Other tracks don’t have the same impact, but the variety of style, and quality musicianship here is worth the price of admission.

Amazon

Fernando Perdomo

Fernando Perdomo “Voyeurs”

Review by Mike Olinger: Miami-based Fernando Perdomo elicits a wistful kind of nostalgia with his bittersweet, tremolo drenched folk rock. One part Elvis Costello and two parts ELO, his sound is both melodically familiar and musically challenging. His newest self-produced opus, Voyeurs, is 17 song odyssey that was created through a series of live Facebook streams which allowed fans to watch the music come to life in real time. Their instant feedback influenced every artistic decision that was made, resulting in a collaboration of sorts between the mastermind and his musical voyeurs.

“Home” is one of the many primo cuts where Perdomo’s virtuosic grasp of tasteful arrangements equals his melancholy songwriting. His artful approach to recording rivals’ contemporaries like Richard Swift who mine a similar pop radio (circa. 1970’s) vein, but in the final stretch of the LP Perdomo forgoes this classic rock leaning for moody, jazz-inspired tangents that feel suited for fall weather and wouldn’t feel at all out of place alongside the bouncy instrumentals from the Rushmore soundtrack.

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About Mike Olinger: I am mad about music. Especially music with vision, uniqueness and soul. My record collection consists of over 1,000 minted vinyl which no one can touch except me and my cat.

 

 

Free Music Mondays: My Brother Woody, Fernando Perdomo and The Sunchymes

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard from My Brother Woody. Glad to hear he’s still got those fantastic musical skills, with his new digital release Random Football Musings Set To Music. It’s a set of baroque pop gems all about World Cup soccer. And its a FREE download. Best sports themed album since The Duckworth Lewis Method.

We reviewed Fernando Perdomo‘s album a while back, and now its a FREE download on bandcamp. Dig in, for a limited time and check out my favorite track “Girl With A Record Collection.”

Since the weather is changing, its time to say goodbye to summer. I can think of no better way than to listen to these FREE tracks of sunshine pop from The Sunchymes. “Through My Eyes” has all the jangle of The Byrds and harmonic chorus of The Beach Boys. Plus a great psychedelic cover of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” As a bonus you can also download the single “Mr. Buckstone.”

Fernando Perdomo “Warm”

The full length debut album from former Dreaming in Stereo frontman Fernando Perdomo is what you’d expect from the veteran producer and musician. The comforting atmosphere of “Photographers in Love” and “Home Is Wherever You Are” both contain gentle melodies that evoke Jackson Browne and Elton John. A big highlight here is “Girl With A Record Collection” with a big hook in the opening chorus, Fernando is looking for a girl who “blew me away without saying a word.” and echos of Big Star follow the strums of the ballad “1970.”

The production is crisp and loose with some excellent musicianship on display. Fernando’s songwriting really shines on the acoustic “California Moon” and the sleepy “Angel Lust.” However the second half of this LP gets a little too laid back, so you may need a shot of espresso to stay awake. Otherwise a quality release for one of Miami’s most talented musicians.

Bandcamp

Gary B & The Notions and Elijah Cross

Gary B & The Notions “How Do We Explode”
A new release from the boisterous Gary B and The Notions is out and its got everything a power pop fan would like; classic pop melodies, angular guitar riffs and defiant vocals. Fans of Superdrag and Weezer will really graviate to this album, especially the raw sweetness of “The Surfin’ Song.”

However my favorite here is the Elvis Costello meets Big Star hooks in “How to Eat A Brick Sandwich.” The blaring fast riffs on “Lyndsy Fonseca” make it an indulgence similar to Lenny Kravitz, but not as memorable. Lots of near-misses (“Back Pain Lozenge”) for every inventive narrative here, like “Too Busy For An Ambulance Ride.” And of course no slower or mid tempo tunes doesn’t help it either, but for only $5 its definitely worth a listen.

Band website  | Bandcamp only

Elijah Cross “Flawed Designs” EP
Elijah Cross was born in California, and attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, he caught the attention of Fernando Perdomo (Dreaming In Stereo) who took the lad under his wing. The result is this EP, and it’s a great debut — just listen to the sweet pysche-pop melody of “Let’s” and the Bacharachian beauty of “Disclaimer.” But what is unique here is that you can earn half of Elijah’s album profits!

The EP is only $4, and for every $200 of this music sold – Elijah will give $100 to a random fan (just send in your Bandcamp receipt to enter the drawing). And you can win multiple times! So it’s like buying an EP and a lottery ticket in the same shot! But honestly, the music is worth it all on its own. I would encourage you to support this budding talent!

 Bandcamp only