The Brothers Steve “Dose”
LA’s Brothers Steve return with a harmony-laden sophomore album. Starting with “Get On Up” it has a fizzy, catchy chorus that reminds me of The Hudson Brothers jamming with Sweet. While the ’70s influences are a starting point, it’s the band’s enthusiasm and talent that crosses the finish line. Jeff Whalen (vocals and guitar), Steve Coulter (drums), and Jeff Solomon (bass) got their start in the legendary band Tsar, and then Os Tyler (vocals) and Dylan Champion (guitar, vocals) joined the brotherhood to go all-in on power pop.
“Next Aquarius” adds an acoustic strum that the electric guitar riffs latch onto and the Jellyfish-like whimsy of “Mrs. Rosenbaum” is a tale that gently shows off their skillful three-part harmonies. But the stickier glam rock of “Wizard of Love” and “Electro-Love” are potential hits that are designed to get you dancing and hitting that repeat button. “She Will Wait” goes back to the acoustic, and here it feels like an outtake from a Beach Boys Party! Then the party continues into the bubblegum sing-along “Sugarfoot” and “Better Get Ready to Go.” The album is rounded out by mid-tempo chamber pop “Love of Kings” and the layered vocals of “Griffith Observatory.” Not a dud in the bunch. In fact, the album is so accessible and fun, it’s nearly impossible to argue against it. Without a doubt, one of the best power pop albums this year. Super Highly Recommended.
Latvian Radio “Phooey!”
Patric Westoo returns to his power-pop roots with his latest effort Phooey! as it recalls Chris Stamey, R.E.M., and The Plimsouls with its catchy jangle on the opening gems “Sliding Down A Ladder” and “Make Believe.” The echoing beat of “Waiting On A Letter” is another winner with its bluesy guitar flourishes over the dense jangling rhythm. The late 60s psyche-pop influences are still there with the catchy “Out This Door,” but the best song here is the bouncy gem “Bloody Mary Me Marie” about meeting a girl at a chance encounter. The chorus echoes out the lyrics and the instrumentation is top-notch here.
The album’s second half doesn’t match that effort, but it still contains great songs like “Not Anymore” and “Genie In Bottle Alright.” The songwriting here is another strength under the surface, as the lone ballad “The Simple Kind” shows a maturity to Westoo’s storytelling ability. This album is a grower that requires a few spins before it sinks in, and it’s worth the effort. Highly Recommended.
