So much singles goodness here, starting with the strong riffs of The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club. The Nerd Magnet (from Japan) also delivers crunchy guitar goodness that will attract power pop fans. Squire recalls a bit of the ’80s rhythm with that echoing jangle and a Beatlesque composition. Devon Kay & The Solutions has rich harmonies and a catchy chorus that made me like them “a little bit.” Our EPs feature The Unswept covering some power pop greats and The Dowling Poole has a fitting tribute to our former President. Katie Kuffel is releasing “1999” as a wistful look at parent-child relationships. Enjoy!
Tag: The Unswept
EP Reviews: The Unswept, Ken Fox, TEOA
The Unswept “The Codependent EP”
The Unswept have shifted their style to a harder-edge, grittier sound with their new EP. “Codependent” adds major power to the pop melody and lead singer Ryan O’Brien seems to channel the spirit of Lou Reed. “Try To Forget You” is another effective rocker, fans of the bands on Rum Bar Records label will feel at home. The finale “Wonderfully Perfect Right” is a multi-layered power ballad with a welcome jangling rhythm.
Highly Recommended.
Ken Fox & Knock Yourself Out “Ken Fox & Knock Yourself Out”
Since 1990, Ken Fox has been playing bass, writing, recording and touring with The garage rockers The Fleshtones. He sets his sites on going solo, still tethered to his old band on the opener “One Less Step” and the hyper “Let’s Go!” Both songs blow speakers apart and are a celebration of Ken’s independence. The punk fuzz of “Do It!” is another gem that explains “it’s rock and roll!” The vintage beat and violins of “Love Is In the Grave” reminds one of Ken’s past with cowpunk legends Jason and the Scorchers. Enjoy this fun debut. Highly Recommended.
Amazon | Kool Kat Musik
TEOA “Light Within”
Love harmonies? Then you’ll feel some magic with TEOA (aka The End of America). The band is James Downes, Trevor Leonard, and Brendon Thomas; friends who met on the road, after singing harmonies on each other’s songs while on tour as solo artists. Their sound is solid Folk, and thought-provoking roots Rock. “Monsters” looks at the world’s problems and give out a three-part cry for help. Even stripped down on “Howl,” the talent is on full display here, reminiscent of The Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road.” This is the ground floor of a band destined to go far. Check’em out.
Onesie and The Unswept
Onesie “Umpteenth”
Brooklyn band Onesie is back, led by Ben Haberland going in several directions here. Opening with “Ten Times Tinnitus” a sly XTC meets Pearl Jam-style progression that quietly sticks with you. Some riffs are clearly reminiscent of 90’s heavy rock like on “Customers” and “Amour Phuss.” An early treat “Final Days Of Nineteen” has a great mix of instruments along with a gentle vocal with harmonies that demands repeat plays.
Another favorite for me is “Would You Be My Goon?” a wonderful blend of melody and pastoral mood similar to Sugarplastic. Ben doesn’t stand still stylistically, as we get a bit of glam (“Legacy Act”) and bouncy pop (“Award Show,” “Missing The Heart”). The songs are quirky and celebrate their own weirdness a bit too much, but it’s the huge hooks that’ll keep you listening. Highly Recommended for sure. Check it out!
The Unswept “Minor Blemishes”
The Unswept are a family trio; Charlie, Liz, and Ryan O’Brien, UK transplants to Chicago that pulls from many classic power pop influences, and on the opening Brydsian jangle gem “Sunshining” it sets the tone right away with its light harmonies. “The Boy Who Wakes You Up” describes a stalker-admirer with a sweet chorus, and Liz takes lead on the country-kissed “You Ain’t On My Mind.” For pure Beatlesque fun, it’s hard to beat “Fake It” with its catchy Monkees-like guitar arpeggio.
The band soldiers on with slight variations on the retro style, some work (“It Doesn’t Really Matter”) and others don’t (“She Just Knows It’s Over”). “Brown Line” is a solid break-up song with excellent rhythm and drum work. At times the retro vibe reminds me of old Rainbow Quartz labeled bands. These tunes may have a blemish or two, but they will put a major smile on your face.
The Unswept and Real Numbers
The Unswept “Fake It” EP
Chicago band The Unswept’s latest EP starts with “Fake It,” sounding more like The Rutles, than the original fabs but you have to love the Merseybeat riff that opens this song up. “The Boy Who Wakes You Up” is more a low key indie pop tune, and “She Just Knows it’s Over” has a distinct Yorkshire accent. ”SALLY” is like a Velvet Underground tune, sung at double tempo, and also quite enjoyable. These tunes have less polish and 60s influence than previous albums but the songs have charm, and they’ve included mono mixes as well. Check it out.
Real Numbers “Wordless Wonder”
After several EPs Minneapolis, MN band Real Numbers brings its jangle pop and shimmering rhythm to its full length debut. They multi-tracked the guitars delivering a sound that’s like The La’s jamming with The Smiths. Both “Frank Infatuation” and the title track both involve heartache and awkward inner monologue. “Only Two Can Play” and “Sisters Serving Tray” intermingles a bouncy tempo and the low-key vocal delivery. “New Boy” delivers a catchy fuzz-bassy rhythm and “This Happy Sadness” appeals to both your warm nostalgic side and your moody side.
Amazon
Zach Jones and The Unswept
Zach Jones “Love What You Love”
Portland native Zach Jones is an extremely versatile musician with an encyclopedic knowledge of late British Invasion and Motown artists. His fifth album is loaded with catchy harmonies and hooks, the opener “Everything’s Fine” is a sweet amalgam of soul and pop strongly reminiscent of Todd Rundgren’s Something/Anything period. “Hate What You Hate” is a poetic mantra played on a dance hall piano, with a very Kinks-like sing-along chorus. “Away From You” is another strong melody rooted in ’70s classic soul. Jones high tenor stands alone on the sparse “Song in The Sunshine” and “Nothing’s Changed” reminding me of David Gates(Bread) in spots.
The rock guitar riffs lead “Lucky One” and “Some Other Day,” both are very Big Star-like compositions, so there is plenty of variety throughout the album to keep you interested and listening to the end. No filler to be found here, but the albums first half boasts the strongest songs. Zach has the support of a cast of orchestral players and percussionists that also give the album a rich, full sound. I hope we hear more music from him like this. Highly Recommended. Bonus: Check out Zach doing an excellent cover of Brian Wilson’s “Love and Mercy” Here.
The Unswept “The Unswept Today!”
Chicago band The Unswept continues its heart felt love affair with classic pop sounds on its sophomore LP. Charlie and Ryan O’Brien are British transplants who brilliantly recreate those retro arrangements and harmonies. “Super Sad” is a jangle-tastic single here, the catchy hand-clapping gem “Peace of Mind” is next and the ballad “Please, Please Look My Way” is all about stalking a pretty dept. store associate. Fans of Byrdsian Rickenbacker guitar will enjoy most of the short songs here, and a special tribute to a favorite band “Surf Song (I Wish I Was a Beach Boy),” is here just in time for summer.
Amazon | CD Baby