We reviewed the Solicitors Blank Check last year, a very strong power pop album. Here is the latest video that is both funny and creepy at the same time! The new single “(You Should See) The Look On Your Face” is a slight departure from the bands raucous signature sound; dropping a few beats per minute from their previous offerings but keeping the spiky guitars and dry wit that has become synonymous with the group.
Tag: The Solicitors
The Solicitors and The Tripwires
The Solicitors “Blank Check”
The latest from Pop Boomerang Records, The Solicitors deliver an exciting full length album (after the impressive EP last year). Influenced by late 70’s and early 80’s pop, it brings to mind the excitement of bands like The Cars, The Knack and The Jam. Formed in Melbourne, Australia by English songwriter Lee Jones and American guitarist Laf Zuccarello, they later added supporting members James Manning and Matt Stirling to the band. The songs go by quickly, the crisp guitar work and catchy riffs are out front on the opener “If You Let Me Hold You” and fans of Kurt Baker or The Wellingtons will love the swirling melody “Pretty Penny.”
Each track continues this formula on the mid-tempo “Help Me Forget” and they crank up things on “I Love Your Love” with its rising chords. “Quicksand” is another gem that is similar to classic Sloan. Plenty of highlights and no filler either, most of the album is high energy until we end on the slow ballad “Goodbye.” Overall this is Highly Recommended. Don’t miss it!
Amazon | CD Baby
The Tripwires “Get Young”
This Seattle super group is a veteran combo consisting of John Ramberg(The Minus 5), Jim Sangster(Young Fresh Fellows) his brother Johnny Sangster and Dan Peters(Mudhoney). On this third album the band has a more “organic” sound now on Spain’s FOLC Records label. They drift more toward the style of pub rock that’s more in line with NRBQ or The Minus 5 here on the opening title track. “Early Bright” is a terrific single, and the workman like “You Have A Bell” is another gem with great call-and-respond guitar lines, and the snappy chorus.
The next several songs have a fun bounce and catchy beat, “Owner Operator” is a great example of this. And the wonderful steady “Gratitude” has a jangly riff that runs along side the melody. No duds here either, although the tempos here don’t vary by much. Another winner here, that is sure to please pub rock and power pop fans alike. Highly Recommended!
The Solicitors “Quicksand”
Back in May my friend Scott at Pop Boomerang Records introduced me to this great new Australian band, The Solicitors. Now they have a new single that is so cool I had to feature it in a post. A new album is in the works for some time in 2014, so if you missed out on the debut EP, you get the new single “Quicksand” included.
Get the single and EP on Bandcamp
The Solicitors and The Bamboo Trading Company
The Solicitors “Made To Measure” EP
From our good friends at Pop Boomerang Records, you’ll have a blast with the Melbourne based Solicitors. Nice 80’s styled hook-filled melodies with a bouncy joy in “Pretty Penny” and “I Love Your Love.” The guitar riffs are fast and full of energy, and you’ll hear influences from Big Star, The Knack, Nick Lowe and Cheap Trick. No duds either, and each tune will put you in a good mood or at least have you singing along. Even the laconic drinking ballad “Feeling Is Believing” has a touch of 50’s era rock n roll tragedy. I can’t wait for the full length LP. Get it on Bandcamp, as the CDs aren’t due till June 25.
Bandcamp | Amazon
The Bamboo Trading Company “The Bamboo Trading Company”
A musical project from the members of The Beach Boys touring Band: Randall Kirsch, Gary Griffin, and Philip Bardowell, and in the case of Matt Jardine, a son of an actual Beach Boy. Included are Miami Dan Yoe and Chris English, so you have a talented bunch launching this Beach Boys meets Jimmy Buffett styled summer album.
The good news is the vocal harmonies are beautifully done, the album’s mood is light and enjoyable. Some tunes are perfect for your tiki party and catchy enough, like “Kitty Hawk” and the Pet Sounds-lite “Tweet (Don’t Talk Anymore).” And even David Marks and Probyn Gregory contribute guitar to “Star Of The Beach” which sounds like it came off Al Jardine’s solo LP. However many of the songs are about as memorable as The Beach Boys own M.I.U Album (pretty disposable) especially the campy “Shrewd Awakening” promoting a cheesy horror movie! Fans of the Beach Boys will still enjoy this, some additional highlights include “I’ve Always Loved The Ocean” and “Don’t Say Its Over.” Now pass me a Mai Tai and call me when you find a place called “Kokomo.”
CD Baby | Amazon