Sam Page “Waiting For Another Spring” EP
Californian Sam Page is an unsigned musician who counts Jack White, Matthew Sweet, Blur, and Modest Mouse as influences. Page has definite talent, and all his sounds are “organic” and created without computers. This is his second EP and its getting some great notice by the indie music press, in fact “Lottery” is getting played on twenty podcasts and indie radio stations. I love “Pass Me By” with its simple arrangement and solid riff-beat combos. “Like@firstSite” is similar to Jonathan Coulton and sure to make you tap your feet to the beat. A great little EP – give it a try!
CD Baby | Amazon | SamPageMusic.com
JP Houston “As Long As You’re Here With Me”
JP Houston is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, based out of Joshua Tree California. As Long As You’re Here With Me was originally done in 2006, but here it’s re-mastered. He does a great job with the opener “Fat Tuesday” – its both catchy and Houston’s vocal shines. As a professional JP’s been working with Brian Bell from Weezer, and Schmed of The Secret Powers. The soft shuffle of “We Make A Murder” is a favorite here, its got touches of XTC, McCartney and Secret Powers with awesome key changes in the chorus. Keep your eyes out for his next album, this is one of the best “hidden” gems this year.
Name your own price on Bandcamp
Live On Brighton “After Hours”
This Toronto band is a bit rough, but with its spirit and passionate sound it reminds me of early Green Day and Weezer. “Passenger Seat” is a blur of echoing guitar riffs and the infectious hard rock come through on “Ten Days Sober” and “Roll with You.” The song structures are pretty straightforward and they’re not re-inventing the wheel here, but it’s all done in a satisfying way. If you like your rock loud, give this a try.
Bandcamp exclusive