The Empty Hearts “The Second Album”
The Empty Hearts is a supergroup full of veteran musicians; Wally Palmar (The Romantics) on lead vocals, Elliot Easton (The Cars) on lead guitar, Clem Burke (Blondie) on drums, and Andy Babiuk (The Chesterfield Kings) on bass. The band’s sound is rooted in 60s classic rock and blues, and it’s delivered with high energy.
“Coat Tailer” is a sweet anthemic opener with the beautiful riff leading the main hook. It also helps that all four band members know Ringo Starr, who plays on “Remember Days Like These,” which has a bit of Wilburys vibe. The band’s cool cannot be denied with the horror-themed “Jonathan Harker’s Journal” and the hooks are all over “If I Could Change Your Mind” and “Come On And Try It.” The mood shifts with the smooth harmonies on “The World As We Know It Moves On,” and again on “Death By Insomnia” which feels like a sequel to The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter.” The finale “Indigo Dusk Of The Night” goes in a Fab-like psychedelic direction too. The production is pristine, without a wasted note. It also makes my Top Ten nominee list. Highly recommended, don’t miss it!
The Midnight Callers “Red Letter Glow”
The New York-based Midnight Callers boasts a pile of diverse influences and occupies a space within power pop that puts more emphasis on the “power” and it will knock you over if you’re not ready for it. Fans of Meatloaf, Sweet, Cheap Trick, Kinks, and Buffalo Springfield will really grow to love this excellent debut. The band is comprised of Chris Paine (rhythm guitar), Martin Stubbs (lead guitar), Julien Budrino (drums), and Marley Myrianthopoulos (bass).
The fast tempo on “41 Miles To Roscoe” delivers those fantastic riffs right away, and “Down On Luck” bring those classic rock harmonies to the forefront. “I Need You” has a great driving riff that would’ve made the song a massive hit if it was released in 1978. The styles are diverse enough to keep you engaged throughout the entire album. “River Rise” is another gem with a bed of guitars supporting a soaring lead vocal, and “State of Mind” has a jangle and energy similar to The Grip Weeds (no coincidence, since Kurt Reil is listed as a producer.) The band doesn’t slow down until the plaintive “Do We Need It.” The production is great and most of the songs hit their mark. Highly Recommended!
