Tag: Paul Melancon

Diamond Hands and Paul Melancon

powerpopaholic
Diamond Hands

Diamond Hands “III”

LA musicians Jon Flynn and Joel Wall have done a great job of getting people hooked on their ’60s drenched power pop. In 2016 they released a free debut, brilliantly constructed; their sound was like The Byrds, Monkees, and The Move all combined. They followed this up with “II” another free full-length LP that continued the melodies in 2018, so by the time “III” was ready I was eager to lay down my cash for this one. It was recorded last year but released last month.

The Rickenbacker strums have added muscle on “Sleep Too Long” with California references and a killer hook. “Tomorrow Can Wait” has an echoing jangle and is very similar in style to The Above. The ballads are just as infectious, like the Beatlesque “Any Other Girl.” You’ll have a fun time trying to play spot the influence on most of these songs. While very strong, the songs don’t surpass the gems on “II.” But they come close, and there isn’t a note of filler here. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Paul Melancon

Paul Melancon “The Get Gos Action Hour!”

Atlanta musician Paul Melancon and his band “the New Insecurities” take the persona of a late ‘60s Hanna-Barbera cartoon show, but other than the quick intro theme, it isn’t sugary bubblegum. This is an album about a journey.

“Permanent Makeup” is a great song about the lies we tell ourselves, and it includes a dense guitar break between the catchy verses. The narrative is a tale of struggling to deal with a dark reality, “This Shaky Lullaby” is a warning to listeners to “please don’t follow,” as it effectively leads us down the rabbit hole. “Hyperventilate” is a Jellyfish-like tune that describes a panic attack, and one of the best songs on the album. The next several songs deal with self-exploration and facing those demons, a notable example “Fitzcarraldo” about Werner Herzog’s obsession to complete his film with swirling synths in the melody. Next, “Mareación” is an 11 minute, 4-part epic trip that goes from folk to prog rock, and back. The aftermath is dealt on “Here and Now I Was” and the catchy finale “The Answer Is Yes.” Overall a strong emotional album that challenges the listener. I recommend you check it out.

Amazon

Deluxe Editions and Kickstarter News update!

powerpopaholic

One of our recommended go-to power pop artists is Chris Richards & The Subtractions. In addition to this year’s Peaks & Valleys – the band has added new and updated deluxe editions of three earlier LPs. Loaded with demos and alternate takes, check it out:




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Paul Melancon, a critical-darling indie-pop rocker from Atlanta, GA is debuting “Hyperventilate” along with a very Scooby-Doo/Archies like animated video from his forthcoming album. Melancon’s first new music in 13 years tells the story of his struggle with depression.

“Anyone can relate to this feeling of being completely trapped by ongoing discouragement. When under the thumb of depression, my discouragement verged on hopelessness that I couldn’t shake, but couldn’t give into,” Melancon said. “In Hyperventilate, I try to capture that dual sense of both feeling like I’ll have to give up and needing not to give up no matter what.”

Order the album through Kickstarter and help spread the word!

Torbjorn Petersson and Paul Melancon

powerpopaholic
Torbjorn Petersson

Torbjorn Petersson “Kool as a Kat”

A series of song fragments sprinkled in with some genuine great tunes, Petersson shines on the shimmering melody of “Lisa Love.” And the layered “Shades of You” has a bit of a Traveling Wilburys vibe with Torbjorn’s understated vocal (which reminds me a little of Pete Shelley.) Although the song sketches are short, they are distractions here, so thankfully most of music that turns out to be full songs are really good.

This was all a project where Torbjorn was challenged to write and record an album in only one month. I’d say it was a success. More highlights include “I’m Telling You Now, ” the McCartneyesque “The Trouble With Love” and the epic closer “What If I Was Wrong.” As another huge bonus, this album is FREE download, so pick it up now!

Bandcamp only

Torbjorn Petersson

Torbjorn Petersson “Summerbound” EP

The following month, Torbjorn produced this follow-up EP and no surprise its just as good as the music made earlier. “Absent Minded Me” has an easy going melody and the catchy “What In The World” has shades of Jeff Lynne that make it a big highlight here. The backing “ba-ba-ba” vocals are also in “Love Went To Paris” a light romance story, and the fast paced message about the power of music are in “Two Minutes of Your Time.” No filler here and Highly Recommended!

Bandcamp only

Paul Melancon

Paul Melancon “Super Rocket X​-​1” EP

Its been a long time since I’ve heard from Atlanta musician Paul Melancon. Well he shakes off the rust and is working on his third solo LP. This EP is just a taste of Melancon’s magic — and its only 2 bucks. “Super Rocket X-1” boast a wicked guitar opening riff that repeats in the chorus that seems influenced by the following artists he covers here. A faithful cover of Pink Floyd’s “Time” and Radiohead’s “Airbag” follow. Also impressive is the Bowie cover “Rock n’ Roll Suicide,” sure I’d prefer more originals here, but now that I’ve heard some I’m on the look out for more. Stay tuned.