Chris Church “Backwards Compatible”
If you like heavy rock fused with hook-filled melodies, then Chris Church will scratch your rock and roll itch. What makes Church special is the details of the song, as he starts with “Begin Again” and it’s more than the layered guitar fuzz, but the addition of backing harmonies, organ and a ripping solo to the anthem. “Coulda Fooled Me” and “Dumb It Up” are straight-forward rockers, but the hook-filled choruses lifts them above the ordinary. The chunky guitar chords don’t drown out the vocals, much like Chris’s retro influences: Cheap Trick, The Raspberries, Tommy Keene, Billy Squier, and Dokken.
Church also has some top talent in the studio with him, including legendary Bill Lloyd and Lindsay Murray (Gretchen’s Wheel). “Left In The Summer” has a very Def Leppard feel, but adds soaring harmonies behind those guitar licks. “No Letting Go” layers even more guitars, and “Pop Dreams” are all about the days when every kid wanted to be a rock star; “When your best friend is your mirror…” Later on “These Daze” focuses on the darkness in our present times. No filler here, but also no ballads or slower tunes to break things up. That will not bother most listeners, as every song is really good. Highly Recommended.
Amazon | Kool Kat Musik
Strand “Can’t Trust The Rain”
Niall Toner is a veteran musician of Dublin, Ireland. With new band Strand, he’s joined by guitarist Ger Kiely, guitarist Duncan Maitland (Slumberjet/Pugwash), producer Les Key (bass), drummer Kevin Malone (Van Morrison) and keyboard player Darragh O’Kelly. The sound is a hybrid of Steely Dan meets Teenage Fanclub with a touch of Gram Parsons.
The production work stands out here, right from the start on the smooth “Best Laid Plans,” along with multiple bass riffs and a catchy synth organ melody. “Stole A Train” has lots of nice details from the flourishes of steel pedal to the backing chorus of “chugga-choo-choo.” The jangling gem “No Underground” is an effortlessly beautiful pop composition and the bluesy piano ballad “Country That You Came From” features the subtle vocals of Niall at his best. The distinct influence of Big Star is part of the title song and “Roadkill.” Overall not a note of filler and worth multiple listens. Kool Kat Musik is offering an additional 4 song EP with purchase. Highly Recommended.