Tag: Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk and Brian Ray

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Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk “Good Times for a Change”

California artist Tamar Berk is still emerging from the grief of personal loss. “Good Impression” is a great song out of the gate, with a late 90s pop feel and layered vocals all over the chorus. The heavier guitar of “That’s Not a Lie” is very much in the mold of Matthew Sweet and is another big highlight here. Berk’s songwriting has all this nuance, as she sarcastically states, “I didn’t know we’re keeping score.” The songs become more reflective on “Book of Change” and nostalgic on “Chicago,” very much in the mold of her previous album ‘Tiny Injuries’.

The shuffling melody of “I Don’t Mind” follows Tamar searching for answers to life’s problems, and the guitar solo here is a real treat. The frantic tempo of “You Trigger Me” is a perfect anthem for anxiety and panic attacks. Some ballads get overdramatic, but others, like “I’ll Come to the Rescue,” have a real poignant confessional touch. The closer “Comin’ Around To Me Again” starts very soft and slowly ends with an epic psyche-pop coda. Overall, it’s a great therapeutic album, and I highly recommend it.

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Brain Ray

Brian Ray “My Town”

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Brian Ray has had several high-profile side gigs (Etta James, Paul McCartney), and his first solo effort, ‘Mondo Magneto’ was this blog’s very first review. Brian has moved off the power pop radar for the past 15 years, getting more toward his garage rock roots with The Bayonets, but this new album has him drifting back toward melodic rock.

As with all Brian Ray, the guitar melodies are front and center. Starting with the radio-friendly “When the Earth Was Round,” it’s a hook-filled cry of disappointment with the casual acceptance of conspiracy theories. “Got a New Thing” is another brilliant tune loaded with harmonies and a sticky riff. “Bad4U” is a tribute to all those memorable movie villains, and on “Pirate Radio,” he embraces his inner Brian May. He still incorporates blues rock into many songs, notably “Spell Breaker” with guest star Michael Des Barres. It can get a little self-indulgent, but after all this time, Brian deserves it. Highly Recommended.

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Great EPs and more: Tamar Berk, Fernando Perdomo, Summer Salt, Joe Di Zillo, Richard Turgeon

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Tamar Berk is following up on her successful ‘Tiny Injuries’ album with ‘Good Times for a Change’.  Check out the advanced single “Good Impression,” which indicates Tamar is not slowing down. Fernando Perdomo’s album “Self” is a masterful blend of introspective lyrics and lush, melodic arrangements that showcase his multi-instrumental talents. Perdomo’s intricate guitar playing and soulful vocals serve as highlights, check out “Optimist Prime.” Summer Salt has the mellowest vibe I’ve heard this summer, and “Ribbons” is a light, sunny, easy-listening gem. Chicago musician/singer-songwriter Joe Di Zillo is “Bringing It Back” with his garage style. Check it out. Finally, Richard Turgeon returns with a Nirvana-inspired single, “Song of Discontent,” and it’s pretty cool. Enjoy!





August singles and EPs: Tamar Berk, The UniBoys, The Evening Sons, Kai Danzberg, Pretty, Julez and the Rollerz

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New month, new singles, and EPs. Tamar Berk has a video for her upcoming Tiny Injuries album and it’s a grower with layered guitars and her hushed vocal, as she dances around. Coming out in another week, and yes we will review it! The UniBoys are also coming back with their skinny-tie-inspired power pop, “I Want It Too” which has so many neat audio cues, I can’t wait for the rest of this one. The Evening Sons are also on Curation Records and impress with “Superspreader,” a solid hook-filled chorus. Myles Josephh & Kai Danzberg write a lovely ballad “On My Way” for a song contest (I voted for it), pick it up. Toronto band Pretty has a funk-punk time with “Coca Cola Deathsquad,” but I liked  “Food For The Moon” and its dense Soundgarden-like chorus. Finally, the sweet rocking Julez and the Rollerz from LA, deliver on this deserving EP. Check out “Sorry I’m Just A Waste of Time” and “Confess.” Cool!





July Singles: The Worriers, Tamar Berk, Vanilla, Tommy Sistak, The Slip-Ons, Hurry

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It’s July! Trust Your Gut, the latest album by The Worriers (due in September) have this cool video for now. The band, led by lead singer Lauren Denitzio, has a highly approachable songwriting style full of folksy flourishes and driving guitars. Tamar Berk is back after her winning turn last year on Start At The End. She hasn’t missed a beat, and I look forward to more strong memorable melodies, as the preview shows. Vanilla also comes back with new music from the Pish Posh collection recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. Speaking of Abbey Road, local Beatlesque troubadour Tommy Sistak wants to “Take Me Along.” Next, Singer Brock Pytel (Canadian pop-punk band The Doughboys) and Brian Minato (Sarah McLachlan) are  SLIP~ons, and they bring GBV energy with them. Finally, I don’t know much about Philly power pop band Hurry, but they have nice harmonies – kinda like Teenage Fanclub and the album is due in August. Enjoy the fireworks!