Slumberjet “World of Sound”
It’s been almost ten years since Irish power-pop artist Barry O’Brien decided to follow up his acclaimed debut, but he did bring in the heavy hitters for his return. Produced by Duncan Maitland, he is joined by Colin Hare (Honeybus), Johnny Boyle (Pugwash), and Eric Matthews along with original bandmember Keith Farrell. Barry’s melodic gifts remain unchanged, and Duncan’s amazing instrumentation and sonic arrangements give this collaborative album a timeless quality.
Opening with the dreamlike harmonies of the title track it launches into a Jellyfish-like pop gem with “Round x2,” it’s driving beat marches along with a shimmering guitar lead. The band successfully navigates a variety of pop stylings from the gentle jangle of “Float” to the insanely catchy “Across The Divide,” with an earnest Elvis Costello-like approach. All the songs are good, but a clear majority are simply great. For example, the XTC-like “Big Snow” is a colorful narrative from a child’s POV, about the wistful joy of a snow day. Another big standout is “Why Do You” with its sing-along chorus about repeating the same relationship mistakes over and over. The album shows a great variety of tone and never gets predictable. Overall a nice fit for my 2019 best album list and Super Highly Recommended.
The Jellybricks “Some Kind of Lucky”
Harrisburg, PA favorites The Jellybricks are back delivering their glossiest and most mature outing to date. Signed to Wicked Cool Records, the band’s sound moves from indie club intimacy to arena-sized soundscapes. The echoing guitar chords of the opener “Corner of My Eye” are suited to the modern rock crowd who enjoy good melodies with their layered crunchiness, like The Goo Goo Dolls or Super Deluxe.
But despite the stylistic shift, the melodic skills of The Jellybricks shine through. Lead singer Larry Kennedy is in fine form on “Brooklyn,” an anthem which describes getting lost going to a certain gig. Catchy choruses reign on “Can’t Get Over You,” and it will stick in your head for days. The frantic “Ms. Misery” is a garage rock gem about “The girl I used to love,” who still nags at you, but one of the best songs here is “Faith.” This is a perfect mid-tempo power ballad about a broken relationship. Not everything here is as serious, “No Money” bounces along with its pop melody about simply being broke. “DOA” and “When It’s Gone” also are more alt. rock focused, it reminded me of The Mighty Lemon Drops with heavier layered guitars. Overall an excellent album that shows the band’s maturity and versatility. Highly Recommended.
