Andy Bopp “AB”

Andy Bopp is a power-pop legend and guitarist from Baltimore Maryland. From Bastards of Melody to Myracle Brah, for over 25 years Bopp has carried the melodic rock flag and never waivered. On AB, he delivers a great variety of rock and power pop styles, as he falls neatly into a musical space somewhere between Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices) and Chris Stamey (the Db’s.)

Starting with “Ashes” it’s a definitive cry for immortality and “not letting go” unless he knows he’s been heard, with layered percussive rhythms over his guitar riffs. The echoing jangle of “I Am A Jetfighter” is another anthemic tune that rings true. Most of these tunes are accessible, short, and immediate; boiled down to a pure hook that begs to be repeated, like the 2-minute “Arlo and Joan.” It’s tough to keep calling out favorites because everything here works, like the fantastic “Abbie Karey,” which sounds like a lost Pete Ham (Badfinger) mid-tempo ballad. The second half rocks harder, “Bending All The Jets,” “EM543” and “Blood 66” are quick garage jams that soften you up for more methodical GBV-styled rockers like “Bicycle Parts” and “Think About You.” Overall not a weak track in the bunch and makes my top ten LP list for 2021. Highly Recommended!

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Styx “Crash of The Crown”

Let’s get this out of the way first, I know Styx is not power-pop, but they are a band that has earnestly been moving to update their prog art-rock sound for the past five years without losing their uniqueness. The Tommy Shaw/JY-fronted Styx is still dedicated to that sound but has managed to change things since 2017’s The Mission. Very few legacy rock bands have managed to do this successfully — but Styx has cracked that code. While old-time fans of Styx may balk at this effort, it adds several new musical influences to keep things fresh.

Starting with “The Fight of Our Lives” it establishes the classic Styx prog sound, with soaring guitar and harmonies all in under 2 minutes. “A Monster” continues the momentum, and “Reveries” has Lawrence Gowan’s vocal carry things, along with a wicked guitar break. The title track is where we shift into a new sound, as all three vocalists contribute here, and I hear echoes of Queen(!) mixed in. “Long Live The King” is another gem with this new sound. “Our Wonderful Lives” moves us slowly back into Styx land reminding me of “Sing For The Day” mixed with “Penny Lane.” Tommy Shaw and company do enough to establish their virtuosity, but the hooks are missing on some of these songs (“Sound The Alarm” and “Coming Out The Otherside.”) That said, this is a good direction for the band to go in, and fans will find plenty to enjoy here. Check it out.

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