Gymnasium “Hansen’s Pop ‘n’ Rock Music ’22”
What can you say about a guy toiling away in obscurity who deserves more exposure? That would be the Boston-based band, Gymnasium, and it’s lead creator Charles Hansen. He’s gathered a large contingent of guest musicians to help create this massive 22-song double album. Who? Let’s name drop a few: Anthony Kaczynski (Firekings), Mike Gent (The Figgs), John Powhida (The Click Five), and many, many more. If you love guitar-based power pop and rock, you’ll definitely find some favorite songs here.
Styles vary across the album, but I loved the Cheap Trick-styled “Tavern at the End of the World,” and the layered guitar rhythm of “Sad Country.” The grand epic vocals of Chris Cote on “Arguing with the Setting Sun” help make it a new heavy rock classic. The fast fuzz of “Little Disaster” is another compelling rocker, along with the wicked lead guitar of “Coast to Coast Companion” with its spacey verse breaks along the way. My favorite here is “Down to a Glimmer” which resembles a Pink Floyd slow ballad, that slowly turns into a Joe Walsh-styled guitar solo, and it’s a true thing of beauty. So much here lands perfectly, and yes it could’ve been trimmed a little – however as a music fan, you’ll love sorting through these tracks. Highly recommended.
Lund Brothers “Across State Lines”
The hard-rocking brothers Chris and Sean Lund have entertained fans for over 40 years with their brand of melodic guitar rock. It’s been a few years, but the new album Across State Lines continues the tradition. Opening with “Flyin” it boasts the chord shifts and harmonies that have wow’ed many, and fans of early 80’s rock bands (like 38 Special and Zebra) and power pop classic influences (Big Star, Beatles) will enjoy this as well. But keep in mind, most of this album is mid-tempo ballads. Explore earlier LPs for harder rock.
“Red, Blue, and Gold” and “Killin Me” are timely standouts, especially the latter tune about the frustrations of technology. “Love U” is another one, with those sweeping riffs and echoing verses, and the self-promoting “Want Your Money” has some of that Big Star DNA, as they sing “we know what it takes to make a hit.” While other songs aren’t that strong, there are enough tracks here to make this an album that deserves your attention. Check it out.
