Tag: The Roaring Juniors

Singles: Peter Lacey, Propeller and The Roaring Juniors

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Peter Lacey “Wayward Song”

Peter Lacey’s music has been compared to that of Brian Wilson, sharing a similar talent for harmonies and lush musical arrangements. This is a wistful dream of a song, which brings to mind The Moody Blues.
Get the vinyl at Pink Hedgehog Records

Propeller “Wish I Had Her Picture/Can’t Feel These Things”

Propeller delivers this FREE 2 song-single that really impresses. Crunchy guitars that form dense rhythms and hook filled choruses meant to be served loud. Enjoy!

Roaring Juniors “See You (All The Time)” and “Sweet Marie”

Ann Arbor, Michigan band brings us a old school music in the jangling tradition of The Rubinoos.  These tracks will be on the bands next full length Perennials. This is a great preview that just gets me excited for the upcoming LP this spring.


The Ugly Beats and The Roaring Juniors

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The Ugly Beats “Brand New Day”

Austin, Texas band The Ugly Beats have been making glorious 1960s garage-styled power pop for over ten years now, and their newest release is testament to this approach.  However on this album there is less a reliance on the stomping rough style (like The Troggs) and more actual melodies and harmonies that get in your head quickly. “Up On The Sun” starts with a fast tempo guitar attack and “Throw Me A Line” has a driving rhythm that compels you to clap along with the countdown.

The punchy riffs of “I Want That Girl” and “Gone For Good” are more irresistible treats with energy and cool to spare. Every cut here is great, even the bouncy instrumental “Beataroo” works wonders. What you have here is a band at their peak and a smokin’ retro all-American power pop album. Fans of the Animals, Outrageous Cherry or The Above are sure to love this one too. Highly Recommended.

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The Roaring Juniors “Almost Grown”

If it seems only a month or two since we reviewed The Roaring Juniors, its because we did. The Ann Arbor based band is back for more punk pop fun with its newest EP. Stylistically the band is more consistent here, channeling The Ramones, Replacements and The Buzzocks. The opener “Movers and Shakers” is the highlight here, with its killer guitar hook. From there the energy level stays high on “Very Clydesdale,” a snearing punk anthem, but lyrically gets lazy on “Angel Friend” which is an excuse to cuss. Still catchy though. Only available on Bandcamp.

Edward Rogers and The Roaring Juniors

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Edward Rogers “Kaye”
English-born, New York-bred Edward Rogers new album “Kaye” was inspired by the music of Kevin Ayers(The Soft Machine) and some of his musical influences. Rogers is helped along by other veteran musicians like Don Piper, Dennis Diken, and Gary Olsen, which makes it easy to enjoy this labor of love.

Rogers approach vocally on the opener “My Street” is a sullen blues riff similar to Mark Knopfler, but the tone changes on the Ayers penned gem “After The Show” with its punchy melody and catchy riffs. “Street Fashion” is another great track with its textured beat and “What Happened to the News Today” is a Dylanesque potential hit with its 12-string Rickenbacker melody. The mood gets more somber and wistful toward the albums end, but Rogers skill as a songwriter is formidable. A must for fans of both Rogers and Ayers.

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The Roaring Juniors “Separation Anxiety”
Although they’re unsigned, This Michigan band starts off with the strong power pop of “Remember Love” and the garage styled “Love, Love Love.” The mid tempo “Riverside Shuffle” is another good diversion.

They take a harder turn on the instrumental “Watch Cap Blues,” so Led Zeppelin fans will pay attention. Blues-rock classic “Tobacco Road” is handled in a fuzzy way, but soon enough we’re back to the fast beats of “Waiting On Me.” Taking influences from early R&B British bands like The Creation – the Roaring Juniors are a force to be recognized. Give this fun album a try for only $5 – it’s worth it.

Bandcamp only