Talkie “Hablas”
San Francisco-based rock band, Talkie makes it their case on debut LP Hablas. The band has a very catchy formula for the opening song “Mountain;” just start with Beatles “Dear Prudence,” then add equal amounts of Beck, Beach Boys, and a dash of the Stones. The easy going strum of “Sunny” is another ear-worm that has a very 1970s California feel. The brothers Brad and Matt Hagmann can certainly sing those rich harmonies on this 16 track album.
The theme throughout the album is heartbreak and self worth, on “Ricky” its about leaving the comfort zone of High School and going off to college; “I can hear it in your voice, you’re scared” the lead vocal sings. Even gaining a little self confidence is tough on “Kronenberg” and “Queen of Espana” with its light bass and drum rhythms. The album coasts on several light experimental folk pop songs till we get to the fuzz guitar gem “Rollercoaster.” Another standout is the slow grower “Get By” that builds to a satisfying cacophony. If you let this one grow on you, you’ll definitely find some sweet tracks.
Tokyo Police Club “Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness (Part 1)” EP
Canadian based Tokyo Police Club have long been a bright shiny example of radio-ready mainstream power pop, with a series of catchy guitar anthems reliably embedded into each album. The band is getting cheeky with its too-hip title “Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness (Part 1)” an obvious dig on the Smashing Pumpkins. And like most TPC albums we have a winning dancable rock tune opening things up with “Not My Girl,” next the passable “PCH” is a descriptive song that leans a little more on the synths and drums than guitars.
Read the full review at Blogcritics.org