Tag: Late Cambrian
February singles are here: Flying Underground, Late Cambrian, Extra Arms, Real Estate, Willie Dowling, François Premiers
EP Reviews: Late Cambrian, Michael Simmons, The Glad Machine, Mom, Los Andes, The Legal Matters
Lately, there has been so much good music in my inbox that I simply can’t put both singles and EPs together in a single post so…. here are my favorite EPs for September.
Late Cambrian have always been a unique blend of pop, dance, and experimental rock without sounding artificial. Future Snacks starts with the synth-blended “The Last Wave,” but comes up with a plenty of compelling melodies, like the bouncy “Its Always Something” and multi-tracked harmonies of “Sydney Sweeney.”
The Glad Machine goes full throttle on power pop, and fans of The Posies, Jellyfish, and Velvet Crush will appreciate the catchy “San Francisco” and the looser guitar on “Baby It’s You.” Not a bad track here, swirling guitar riffs of “Virginia” rule the day. One of the best EPs of the year among a crop of treasures.
UK-based Mom has been pumping out catchy 70’s inspired guitar nuggets every few months, and fans of The Ramones, The Cars, and The Rubinoos will dig this one. Highlight here is “To The Beat” and “Now Until Forever.”
Buenos Aires-based Los Andes has the formula down, and “Julie” featuring Xoel Lopez will hook you even if you don’t “hablar español”. The band also pulls the talents of legendary musicians Lukah Boo, Star Trip, and Hank Idory. No filler and gorgeous musicianship that proves power pop is much loved beyond the borders of the USA. Bravo!
Your token FREEBIE, The Legal Matters give you a Trapper Keeper stuffed with beautiful covers of their favorite tunes. Big Star’s “When My Baby’s Beside Me” and Teenage Fanclub’s “Don’t Look Back” are my faves here.
Early August singles and premieres: Kerosene Stars, Lily Frost, Vegas With Randolph, Matt Steele, Sharp Class, Phil Thornalley, Late Cambrian
Toronto singer/songwriter Lily Frost releases “Seagull,” from her upcoming LP Decompression, and it’s impossible to ignore with its driving beat and layered harmonies. Power pop favorites Vegas With Randolph is back with the compelling “Shake The Cage” and love those horn flourishes! Matt Steele has a deceptively catchy bedroom pop hit here with “Vintage Photo Filter,” which just grows on you with each chorus. Nottingham blokes Sharp Class kicks some ass with “Tales of A Teenage Mind,” as it marries the buzzsaw riffs with Oliver Orton’s cheeky punk vocals. And we have some neat video singles too; Phil Thornalley‘s “Fast Car” is a loving homage to Jeff Lynne’s style that sticks in your head, and Late Cambrian is back with a skater’s perfect theme “The Last Wave” is off the upcoming LP, Future Snacks. Mmm, Tasty!
Late Cambrian and Andy & Jason Reed
Late Cambrian “Sweet Cambrian High”
Brooklyn band Late Cambrian continues to weave magical electro-pop with its dance-friendly melodies. In fact, it stands out with superb arrangements and clean production.
The jangling “Girl Bag Holder” has a moody synth melody with a killer chorus that begs to “Party All Night!” Lead singer/songwriter John Wlaysewski does great things with beats and rhythm on “Yearbook Photo” and “Thanks For Your Time” while delivering a solid musical narrative and melodies that other bands (like Weezer) would envy.
The rising angst on “Dark Heart” is another big highlight. Olive’s vocals take over on the catchy “Common Enemy” and unlike most electro-pop, this is very accessible. A fine stream of reality comes through on “Missed Connections” as John describes his old neighborhood. Then check out the lovely layered harmonies on “Hollywood.” Once again, no real filler here as this album is a real grower that deserves multiple listens. Highly Recommended.
Andy Reed & Jason Reed “Make Your Move” EP
The talented Andy Reed teams up with his brother Jason to deliver this debut EP. “The Longest Pause” is a lonely mid tempo ballad that features some good harmonies and an emotional ending. The music isn’t quite the same style as Andy’s earlier solo work, but it’s still a compelling listen.
“Left to Right” is has angular melody with some nice guitar accents after each verse. “The Welcoming Song” and “Find My Way Back Home” both start out in a foggy haze, but the songs form fully after minute in, with some dramatic musical effects. The 80’s styled rocker “Make Your Move” closes things with Jason leading the vocal for this one. Overall a good start for the Reed brothers. Check it out.