Crusaders of Love “Take It Easy… But Take It!”
Hailing from Lille, France, Crusaders Of Love gives us a sonic power pop assault. Starting with “Never Grow Up” it’s part Ramones, part Plimsouls, with a generous helping of Big Star. The chiming guitars continue on “It All Ends that Way” and its all classic three chord riff style with a big bouncy Glam beat. It doesn’t do anything new here, but fans of early 80s punk (“Realm of Death”) or 60s jangle rock (“Next Summer”) won’t mind at all. Have a blast and do some air guitar to this one.
The Maladaptive Solution “Heal” EP
Billed as “Middle Age Symphonies To God” the band is a collective of Brad Beard, Jimmy Haber and power pop legend Micheal Carpenter. It starts out of the gate living up to those lofty expectations with “Abacus (Count on You)” a rich blend of electric guitar and harmonies. The remaining tracks are also richly layered power pop, sounding a bit like The Gripweeds or Teenage fanclub. It’s a short EP with only 4 tracks, but definitely worth your time.
Amazon | Bandcamp
French Club “Sh*t Talk”
French Club is a chaotic mix of rock, punk, ska with a melodic tilt that you don’t hear everyday. The title track is slow to start but then leaps into a rant with a lively horn melody in the chorus. The somber “October” follows this up with a duel vocal male-female lead followed by a harmonized wail. It goes full DIY punk on “In The Basement” with a spirited bass lead. This style is continued on “Jamaica” and “Rattle On” featuring the talented Lily Zwaan’s vocals. So, if you’re in the mood for something different, here it is.
Bandcamp | Facebook