Tag: The Jellybricks

The Jellybricks and The Moles

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“The

The Jellybricks “Dreaming in Stereo”

Natives of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania The Jellybricks have a lengthy rap sheet and have always been a very strong power pop band. After joining Wicked Cool Records in 2019, the ‘Bricks reached their full potential, and with every additional release, they improve their sound. It begins with the upbeat song about misinformation, “Age of Stupid,” very akin to classic Green Day. “Dreaming In Stereo,” the title track, is a showcase of the band’s full sound, loaded with hooks and harmonies.

But the confessional “Sound of a Broken Heart” is a surefire hit here, packed with emotion and a great hook. The band’s music has evolved to include the contemporary rocker “All About You,” which features rapid-fire lyrics and groovy licks. “Monday’s Never” feels like a surly response to The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love,” and while the second half doesn’t quite match the fantastic first half, there are plenty of gems here, including “Enchanted I Am,” the long player “Crazy Weather,” and the brilliant closing “Shine On.” Without a doubt, highly recommended.

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“The

The Moles “Composition Book”

Australian musician Richard Davies has long been under the radar with his bands The Moles and Cardinal, yet his music has built a solid cult following. The Flaming Lips, for example, covered his music and supported him back in 1995. Davies creates subtle, melodic indie rock tunes that are occasionally dissonant and melodic at the same time. He was a great interview early last year on his odd history in the music business.

With Composition Book, he strums acoustic guitar and adds female vocals on the opener “Feel Like A Dollar.” Davies delights with his incisive humor and lyrical weirdness on this opener, but it sticks. The simple piano repeated sequence on “Alvin Hollis,” grows organically with off kilter Velvet Underground  touches, Who call outs “Lost Generation” reminds us of how “out there” Davies can be. This is an album to experience as a work of abstract music art. Highlights include “Tragedy,” “Since I Don’t Know When,” and the acid-laced “Blow Yer Mind.” Like all of his Moles music, this isn’t for everyone. But those in the know will absolutely love it.

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Slumberjet and The Jellybricks

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Slumberjet

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.

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The Jellybricks

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.

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Big Stir Singles and more!

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Big Stir Digital Singles

The best thing about music on the internet is that it’s immediate. That means anyone who comes up with a timely tune can record it and get it out there right away. The worst thing is that it’s ephemeral and we’ve seen brilliant one-off tunes not getting the attention they deserve because of the blink-and-you-miss-it pace of social media. Big Stir not only has a kick-ass zine, that deserves support – it has an impressive growing roster of power pop artists: Spygenius, The Newds, Plasticsoul, Addison Love and The Armoires (to name a few). So support these artists and check out the Big Stir Singles page!

More NEW Singles!

A wonderful new jangling gem from the Sunchymes – you can’t go wrong here.

Scott Brookman has been locked in his bedroom, doing his DIY pop for years. This single is based on a true story!

I’ve missed Peter Balderachi and I’m glad he’s ready for a “Change”

The Jellybricks are back! Very very cool video shows that Ok Go aren’t the only creative vid kids! The new single “Brooklyn” is out now. Get it!

Concert Review: Cavestomp! The Garage Rock Festacular

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One of the coolest radio shows on the planet is Little Steven’s Underground Garage and they frequently feature great power pop on the show. Many of these artists receive the accolades “Coolest Song” or a spot in his yearly top ten — and at this occassion several played live at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn (site of our Power Popaholic Fest). The show continues Sunday night (4/27) at the Mercury Lounge (NYC), so you still have time to see this great show.

Hosted by Handsome Dick Manitoba of The Dictators, and one of my favorite veteran bands The Jellybricks opened things up. They did a great set of songs from their new album Youngstown Tuneup, one of my favorites this year. The follow up with John and Brittany, that’s John Faye (IKE, The Caulfields) and Brittany Rotondo served up a grunge covered set of sour sweetness. The dynamic duo were then followed by Palmyra Delran, and she totally rocked the house down. Finally The Connection took the stage, they were in my top ten last year and they did not disappoint onstage. Overall, it was an amazing night of music!