Sunday, April 27, 2025

Ryan Allen - Livin' On A Prayer On The Edge


A decade has passed since I first became aware of Ryan Allen's music. That sure was a quick ten years! Today, I review him as a lead artist for the 13th time. His new album, cleverly titled Livin' On A Prayer On The Edge, is almost definitely his magnum opus so far. At the very least, this is the most of himself that he has ever put into one of his releases. The album essentially combines all the musical influences that have ever shaped his songwriting, and yet every track sounds distinctly like him. I have to admit that when it came to Ryan Allen, I loved him from the moment I first heard his voice. And over the past decade, I've had the pleasure of hearing him grow as an artist and embrace a wider array of influences while still rooting his musical approach in timeless melody. 

At one point, there seemed to be two sides to Ryan Allen: the experimental indie rock side and the melodic power pop side. Slowly but sure, those two sides melded into one. Livin' On A Prayer On The Edge is the work of an artist who loves everything from '90s alt-rock to classic power pop to left of the dial indie rock to shoegaze to The Beatles to punk rock and has absorbed all those influences in a way that's fully cohesive and reflective of his unique point of view. I feel like all of us, when we get to a certain age, grow out of particular phases and simply embrace everything we've ever loved. That's where Allen is in his musical journey. And having spent so much time (especially post 2020) working on home recording, Allen has really figured out who he is an artist and how to achieve the sound he's going for. I have a strong attachment to 2015's Heart String Soul for sentimental reasons. But when you compare Livin' On A Prayer On The Edge to Heart String Soul, it's striking how far Allen has come as a songwriter, musician, and producer of his own work. As I listen to this record over and over, I find myself feeling like it goes by too quickly. Yet at nearly a half hour, this is not a particularly short album. It just seems that way because it's so good that I'm ultimately left wanting more. 

Livin' On A Prayer On The Edge is an album inspired by memories of being a kid and discovering a whole new world of music that you never knew existed — and of being an adult who never lost that enthusiasm and wonderment. I would imagine that almost anyone reading this now will be able relate to that. You could be listening to any one of millions of podcasts or reading any one of millions of online publications right now, but you're here looking at some small-time music blog because you're still super-passionate and genuinely excited about new music. As he revisits the music that was life-changing in his teenage years, Allen is not afraid to sometimes wear his influences on his sleeve. "I Should (But I Don't Really Wanna)" literally recreates Teenage Fanclub's guitar tone. The hilariously on-point "Conspiracy Theory" would not sound out of place between Swervedriver and My Bloody Valentine on a mixed tape. "After I'm Dead" unabashedly worships at the altar of Big Star. "So What Who Cares" doesn't care if you think it sounds like Stereolab. But for the most part, the influences on this album are more suggested than obvious — the result of them co-mingling in Allen's brain for thirty plus years and ultimately getting filtered through his own personal style. Without sounding like any band in particular, "Lost in a Daze" captures the spirit of fuzzy early '90s college radio power pop. I can't decide if "Devil's Juice" is trying to be action rock or garage punk, but I know that I love it. If Devo, Sonic Youth, and Guided by Voices had been one band, they might have written "The Construction Man." "Company's Eyes" is the sort of classic jangly pop that I hope Allen never stops writing. "In the Next Life," Allen's poignant tribute to a recently passed friend, is beautiful and silky-smooth —  an unironic nod to the soft rock that ruled the airwaves in the '70s and early '80s. 

Of course there's an undeniable '90s nostalgia underpinning Livin' On A Prayer On The Edge. When Allen was a teen discovering much of the music that influenced this record, I was a twenty-something discovering many of those same bands myself. So of course I'm going to have a soft spot for these songs. But those fond memories are just a starting point — not the ultimate destination. This is by no means a "retro" album. It asks you not to turn back the clock a few decades but rather to appreciate the timelessness of the music that inspired it. Allen's lyrics run the gamut from personal reflections to social commentary to deeper ruminations on life in these times. Altogether, this is a record that feels very relatable and very now. Songs about coping with anxiety, enjoying domestic bliss, and wanting to create something meaningful to be remembered by absolutely speak to me, and they likely will to you as well. Far more than just the product of his influences, Ryan Allen is a songwriter of extraordinary talents. I will always think of him when I'm asked why the 2010s were such a rad time for indie pop. But in the 2020s, he has only gotten better. I imagine he's extremely proud with what he has created in Livin' On A Prayer On The Edge. And let me tell you: he should be. 

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Monday, April 21, 2025

Kicking Bird - 11 Short Fictions


Two years ago, Wilmington, North Carolina's Kicking Bird released Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, a remarkable debut album which quickly became one of my favorite indie rock releases of recent memory. 11 Short Fictions, the band's highly anticipated second album on Fort Lowell Records, finds Kicking Bird in no way succumbing to the sophomore jinx. Matching or even surpassing a great debut is a tall order for any band, but 11 Short Fictions is an absolute triumph. One of my favorite things about being into music is discovering new bands and following them as they grow. I was a fan of Kicking Bird's first album, but now I can officially call myself a fan of the band.  

Kicking Bird, while very hard to pigeonhole stylistically, is a band with tremendous musical and songwriting talent. 11 Short Fictions is more ambitious than Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, but it never loses sight of what makes this band so appealing: the contrasting and complementary charms of husband-and-wife vocalists Shaun and Shaylah Paul and a melody-driven approach to songwriting which takes inspiration from everything from '70s arena rock and glam to '80s/'90s alternative rock to contemporary indie rock. As the album title suggests, each track is essentially a short story — with literary genres running the gamut from science fiction to horror to fantasy to erotica to historical romance to comics. I love that the band went in that direction yet still embraced its flair for quirky indie rock with pop sensibilities and classic rock roots. Of course the provocative dreamy pop of "What Did You Expect (with Such A Beautiful Wife)" bowled me over from the start, but there are several standout tracks on what proves to be deep and satisfying collection of songs. "Verdun," the "love story of two privileged social elites torn apart by the mis-perceived glory of war and the social constraints of Victorian England," has all the charm of later '90s indie rock and all the grandeur of classic rock. "Pardon Me (What Did He Say)" resurrects Marc Bolan to splendid effect. "Good Lighting" and the hard-rocking "Cinnamon" recall the '90s heyday of guitar heavy alternative rock. "Too Much Talking" is the sort of simple yet instantly memorable ballad that every great album ought to have.  

In a world where tens if not hundreds of thousands of albums are released every year, it can be hard to get people to pay attention even if you've made something pretty special. So much great music gets lost in the shuffle. Kicking Bird, now with two exceptional albums to its name, deserves to be heard and to be recognized as one of the finest up-and-coming bands in underground music. 11 Short Fictions, which marries music to literature in a way that celebrates both, is more than worth your time and hard-earned cash.

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Sunday, April 20, 2025

Bart and the Brats/Jacket Burner - Good Cop / Bad Cop split 7"


Well here we've got ourselves another must-have split! Out on the legendary Goodbye Boozy, the "Good Cop/Bad Cop" 7" finds France's Bart and the Brats and New Mexico's Jacket Burner teaming up for some first-rate budget punk action. Bart and the Brats, as always, thump it out in the '77 punk style with force and fury. "Pigeonholed" is a fast-paced smasher that brings to mind the Ramones at their most aggressive. "Good Cop, Bad Cop" dials back the tempo a tad but still punches you in the mouth. This is how you do it: two tracks in under four minutes, and everyone is left wanting more. On its half of the split, Jacket Burner tears through two tracks of trashy, ripping garage punk that will have you feeling like 2005 never ended. How can you not love a song called "Born Fucked"? What I love about this release is that it contains top quality material from both bands. There's no filler here, folks: simply killer punk rock just the way you like it! And be ready: a brand-new Bart and the Brats full-length is dropping in just a few days!

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The Number Ones - "Sorry"


Now this is how you do a return! The Number Ones had not released new music since their 2018 EP Another Side Of The Number Ones. If you had assumed that this Dublin-based foursome was broken up, surely you were not alone. But here we are in 2025, and The Number Ones are back sounding as much like The Number Ones as ever! New single "Sorry" falls halfway between The Undertones and Buzzcocks, and I have zero complaints about that! When we talk about powerpop/punk as a genre of music, this track pretty much sets the standard. It's a massive burst of melody and catchiness with all the youthful energy and guitar crunch you could ever hope for. It's amazing how this band has picked up right where it left off after seven years of inactivity. On the B-side, "Blind Spot" is another perfect slice of power pop — owing much to early Beatles but still packing plenty of punch. When it comes to power pop with a punk edge, it's hard to beat the single format. And this single is worthy of a spot in your collection alongside the classics.

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Saturday, April 19, 2025

20th Century Boys - self titled


20th Century Boys from Fullerton, California are a newer band with an old school pedigree. Singer and guitarist Jeff Moses (The Flamethrowers, The Cornfed Project), bassist Mike "Rocko" Occhiato (The Flamethrowers, The Joneses, The Vice Principals), and drummer Jason Hubbard (Penal Colony) are all longtime fixtures of the L.A. rock 'n' roll scene. Unsurprisingly, their debut album (out on Rum Bar Records) reeks of the '70s and early-to-mid '80s in the most wonderful way. These 11 tracks take elements of sleazy glam rock, '70s punk, power pop, and dive bar rock 'n' roll and mash it all into a timeless and irresistible concoction. "Suzy" is a stone cold smash, and it's by no means the only banger in the bunch. There's nothing tricky or grandiose going on here: just good, solid rock 'n' roll with a beat you can dance to and hooks for days. Some tracks live at the intersection of dirty glam and power pop. Others bring to mind Johnny Thunders–inspired punk rock 'n' roll or the Stones at their booziest. I love hearing little nods to the classics (like the "Teenage Kicks" inspired riff on "Tricky Situation" or the "baaaaaby!" refrain on "Rumble at the Dance Hall" that tips its cap to The Dictators' "Stay With Me"). There's even a cool cover of a golden oldie by U.K. glamsters The Gunslingers. I can't imagine any fan of Rum Bar Records not digging this album, and it's exciting to hear music like this still being made and made well. Moses proves himself to be a fine songwriter and one hell of a guitar player. Since the recording of this album, Claude Guecia has taken over bass duties, but 20th Century Boys are going as strong as ever. When I was a young pup coming up in the music-reviewing world, it seemed like there were bands like this everywhere you turned. But now this sort of real-deal, tried-and-true glam-punk rock 'n' roll is not nearly as ubiquitous. Kudos to labels like Rum Bar for endeavoring to keep it alive!

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Friday, April 18, 2025

Strange Neighbors - People Pleasers Pleasing People


Now this is exactly what I needed: a new full-length album from New York's Strange Neighbors! The band is made up of Aidan Strange on vocals, Beau Valentine on drums, Dana Bennewitz on bass, and Zach Schweiker on guitar. People Pleasers Pleasing People is the group's second long player and first since 2019. Following some excellent singles and EPs released over the last few years, this is a wonderfully satisfying album that will surely lift the spirits of a world in dire need of some joy. The things that make Strange Neighbors so hard to classify are the very things that make them such a treat. Calling them power pop or indie pop or alternative rock just feels insufficient. They are all of those things but perhaps none of those things. So I'll just put it this way: if smart, fun, and super-charming pop songs which bring to mind '80s/early '90s college radio via Gen Z sound like something you'd be into, People Pleasers Pleasing People is an album you absolutely need to hear (now imagine me proofreading this review out loud and tripping all over that album title!).

Coming in at ten tracks, People Pleasers Pleasing People is exactly what you want a full-length album to be: hit-laden and filler-free yet still packing plenty of variety. At their core, Strange Neighbors are all about perfect pop melodies and well-crafted hooks. But their influences are so all over the place in terms of style and era that you could never write them off as a run-of-the-mill power pop band. Elements of everything from '90s alt-rock to the Beatles to country music to musical theater to The Replacements & REM to millennial emo-core to John Prine to Chappell Roan can be felt in these songs, and this blending of the old and new is seamless. Just as importantly, this band has a real flair for writing relatable songs that will hit you like a ton of bricks. Songs like "You've Got Love" and "Hate Me Less" are break-up (or perhaps post-breakup) songs which trade bitterness for meaningful refection. "Retrograde" and "Wherever We Fall" are reminders that we're all works in progress struggling to figure our shit out. "Influencer" is social commentary that could not be more on-point. "Silk and Cyanide" is certainly the best pop song I've ever heard about enemy spies falling in love. And then there's "Beer at the Bar," which is nothing short of an anthem. On a daily basis, I find myself feeling heartbroken over a society that promotes the hatred of human beings based on whom they love and how they present themselves — and a regime that seems intent on legislating these people out of existence. "Beer at the Bar," a song of unity for the queer and trans community, is powerful in both its acknowledgment of its despair and its message of hope. 

Many a band has followed a run of terrific singles with an underwhelming album, but Strange Neighbors have delivered the goods with People Pleasers Pleasing People. Wonderfully produced by Mike Dwyer, this album sounds magnificent while still retaining an unassuming indie charm. It is certainly one of my favorite albums of the year and a lock for a prime spot on my year-end list. It's streaming now in all the usual places!

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Unicorn Dogs - Inauguration


Unicorn Dogs are having quite the year! Their brilliant debut album Age Typical Junk Behavior will soon be getting a vinyl release in collaboration with a couple of titans in the pop-punk label world: Jolly Ronnie Records and Mom's Basement Records. In conjunction with this LP release, they've put out a music video for their should-have-been smash hit "Dumb Stuff." Meanwhile, the band has a brand-new digital EP out today titled Inauguration. After taking a quick peak at song titles like "Snake Oil Salesman," "Executive Order," and "Chief Executives," you will have no trouble discerning the concept of this EP. Let's just say that when it comes to opining on the state of America post January 20, 2025, Unicorn Dogs are not afraid to tell you how they really feel. This is a band that's good enough to write about any topic under the sun and make it feel urgent and anthemic. So you can imagine that Unicorn Dogs raging against America's descent into authoritarianism is going to be powerful stuff. 

When it comes to protest music of any kind, I'm always looking for one main thing: the music has to be on par with the message. And that is certainly the case here. I will paraphrase my brother from across the pond and say that Unicorn Dogs are the epitome of pop-punk with balls. I've heard very few bands capable of writing songs that sound this raw and this catchy. Of course you can feel the passion and indignation in these songs, and that all comes through more forcefully due to the quality of the melodies and the cleverness of the lyrics. The band has turned Inauguration into a choose your own adventure experience: you can listen to the entire EP in one single shot (with some added snippets) or enjoy it one track at a time. Covers of "Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed)" by Raveonettes and "Serendipity" by Trusty are Bandcamp exclusive bonus tracks that fit in quite nicely with the rest of the EP. All this for $2 is a deal and a steal for fans of pop-punk and opposers of fascism! 

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Sunday, April 13, 2025

S.U.G.A.R./BLOWERS - Split 10"


You've got to love Daniel at Alien Snatch Records, who frequently releases 10-inch vinyl records simply because they are freaking cool. For a label owner, there is no real financial incentive to put out a 10-inch EP. You just have to love the aesthetics of it. And for a record collector, this is a fun format — a veritable mini-album! Alien Snatch's latest 10-incher is a split which finds Berlin's mighty S.U.G.A.R. paired with Australia's Blowers. So we've got two of the top bands in today's garage/punk scene represented here. The S.U.G.A.R. side contains the roaring, straight-forward punk rock 'n' roll of "Electric Chair" plus a great cover of God's classic "My Pal." Blowers' side features four tracks of raw & super lo-fi garage punk. Blowers have a new album coming out at the end of the month that's gonna blow your ears right off your head. In the meantime, these tracks will whet your appetite. This was a well-conceived split. If you like one of these bands, you are almost certain to like the other. In fact, the two bands will be touring Europe together next month. Follow them on social media for more info!

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Friends of Cesar Romero - Spider Dreamer Sweet Tooth


Is it possible that even the great J. Waylon had room to step up his game? His long-running solo project Friends of Cesar Romero has released some of the modern-day garage/punk/power pop scene's finest music over the last several years, and his Doomed Babe Series has become the stuff of legend. But with installment number 44 in the series, J. Waylon has done something I wasn't quite expecting: not just meet my expectations but rather exceed them. While the majority of FOCR's releases are EPs or singles, Spider Dreamer Sweet Tooth is a proper full-length album. And without question, I'd say it's the band's best release yet. 

So much has been made (rightfully) of J. Waylon's knack for crafting top quality pop hooks and writing relatable, often brilliant lyrics about doomed romance. But with Spider Dreamer Sweet Tooth, I find myself struck by how much he has continued to grow as an artist and musician. This album incorporates a wide range of musical influences, yet it all sounds distinctively and emphatically like Friends of Cesar Romero. Kicking off with the infectious garage rock stomp of "October Eve," the album seamlessly swings from the textbook power pop of "My Motel Mermaid" to the classic SoCal punk stylings of "Quality Inn Cambodia" to the pristine psychedelic pop of "To Quell Your Starlite Mist" to the vintage FOCR charms of "Jennifer Ann" to the '60s pop glory of the title track. And that's just the first half of the album! The virtual B-side is just as hit-packed and stylistically varied. "Throwing Deadly Nightshade" is not just a great song title. It's the epitome of a garage rock banger that will have you dancing wildly in your bedroom. And I'm not sure if I can name another artist capable of going back-to-back with a '60s-style country rocker ("Gasoline on the Trampoline") and a 72-second blast of dawn-of-the-'80s hardcore punk ("Sundowner Uppercut") and legitimately pulling if off. 

None of these songs are throwaways. This is 12 songs in 23 minutes, and not a single moment falls short. J. Waylon, who can write some of the best pop-punk tunes you could ever hope to hear, here proves that he's just as adept at pure punk and perfect pop. And when this album aims to rock, it really rocks. J. Waylon is not just a terrific songwriter and vocalist but also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who has really learned how to make great-sounding solo recordings. If you've been ignoring my pleas to check out the best-kept secret in the punky pop/garage underground, this album would the perfect place to get on the train. 

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Friday, April 11, 2025

The Speedways - "Visiting Hours" 7"


I was absolutely floored when The Speedways dropped the new track "Visiting Hours" back in February. It was the band's first new song in nearly two years, and it did not disappoint. If you have been waiting patiently for "Visiting Hours" to come out on record, now is a fine time to make your move. The single (co-released by Stardumb, Beluga, and FOLC Records) has been pressed and will be shipping very soon. The A-side instantly rocketed to the top tier of my list of all-time favorite Speedways songs — and that puts in it some very good company. The track that's new to me here is the B-side, "Now That I Know How." This song channels Tom Petty via The Beatles, and who in the world wouldn't be into that? Lyrically, this is a vintage Matt Julian dissection of a doomed relationship. That guitar riff will really grab you, and Julian's vocal delivery is spot-on as per usual. In some alternate universe where 1979 never ended, this 45 has already gone gold! This is a very strong return for The Speedways, and that bodes well as we await the band's fourth LP due out later this year. Now go order the vinyl while you still can!

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The New Brutarians - "Born Out of Time"


It has been over two years since The New Brutarians last released new music. But America's favorite pop art glam-protopunk rock 'n' roll band is about to treat us to a summer of hits! After the gonzo lo-fi stylings of the excellent Don't Want To Know Your Secrets EP, Adam, Christina, and friends figured it was time to treat us to some more polished, sub–three-minute pop gems. Our first taste of this is the new single "Born Out of Time," which has been released to coincide with tonight's special event at the Redwood Bar in Los Angeles: an Adam T. art show and glam punk gig extraordinaire featuring The New Brutarians (acoustic), The Juvenile Wrecks, Richard Duguay and The Beautiful Decline, Monodelux, and Bill DeGidio of The Pagans. Produced by Robbie Rist (yes, THE Robbie Rist!), "Born Out of Time" is a perfect little shot of glitzy, melody-driven rock 'n' roll. The lyrics are amazing, and Adam's voice sounds so freaking cool on this track. And those backing vocals are absolute majesty. If glam punk with a power pop heart is your thing, this song will be right up your alley. "Born Out of Time" has left me wanting more, and thankfully more is very soon to come!

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Sunday, April 06, 2025

Dauber - Falling Down


Dauber, a trio from Hudson, New York, features Mike Abbate (Screaming Females) on guitar and vocals alongside Jenna Fairey on drums and Quinn Murphy on bass. Falling Down, the band's debut album, is out now on Dromedary Records, Recess Records, and State Champion Records. This is the kind of record that we need more of these days. The band bangs out one track after another of raw & energetic melodic punk. There's nothing fancy going on here — just honest, hard-hitting punk rock with thoughtful (and sometimes very bleak) lyrics and hooks for days. Vibe-wise, I'm reminded of '80s and '90s melodic punk, but Dauber is no retro act. The songwriting is solid as hell, and the playing is tight and punchy. This, my friends, is the sound of a band playing its guts out. And from start to finish, the songs deliver the goods. If you dig old school melodic punk or rough-around-the-edges modern pop-punk, you need some Dauber in your life. 

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Geoff Palmer - Kodak Flash


I've been a big Geoff Palmer fan since the early days of this blog. I'm a fan of everything he does, but I have to admit I have an especially soft spot for his pop-punk stuff. So of course I'm on board with him doing a whole EP of pop-punk tunes. On Kodak Flash, he is supported by one heck of a band: Tyler Spatz on bass, Paul Kennedy on drums, Zack Sprague on guitar, and F & L favorite Daniel James on lead guitar. These four tracks (two of which have already been smash hits on the Underground Garage) are everything that pop-punk music ought to be: exceptionally well-crafted, catchy as hell, relatable to life, and simply fun to listen to. Palmer is talented enough to play any kind of music, but he keeps going back to this kind of stuff because he truly loves it. And given that my tastes lean more to the pop side of the pop-punk equation, these songs could not be any more up my alley. Even when these folks put the pedal to the metal on a song like "Rubberneck," those melodies and hooks are undeniable. "Bye Bye Baby" hearkens back to Road to Ruin/End of the Century–era Ramones, and I could not be more stoked. "Teenage Memories," with its wistful lyrics and exquisite harmonies, hits that sweet spot where pop-punk and power pop become one. By its very nature, this EP is bound to leave you wanting more. Delivering four songs in less than eight minutes, this is an all killer, no filler experience. Kodak Flash is a first class effort all the way and yet another must-buy from the red-hot Stardumb Records. The vinyl release is on a one-sided 12", and I'd recommend moving quickly if you want one of those beauties!

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Saturday, April 05, 2025

Ricky Rochelle - "I Miss Joey"


Ricky Rochelle's third single of the year finds him back in the pop-punk lane, and it's a song that really speaks to my heart (and probably yours as well). It's almost impossible to believe that Joey Ramone has now been gone for 24 years. For a lot of us who were fans, it still seems like just yesterday that we lost him. "I Miss Joey" is Ricky Rochelle's tribute to Joey Ramone. It's a simple, heartfelt song about how deeply missed the king of punk still is after all these years. The line "He never knew the legacy he'd leave" really hits me hard when I think about how profoundly influential the Ramones were on almost every band or artist I write about today. Ricky Rochelle has a way of writing and singing songs that is so genuine and heart-on-sleeve. Here he celebrates Joey Ramone not just as a musical influence but also as a person he deeply admired. You can feel the love in this song. What more could you ask for from a tribute?

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Lùlù - "Sur la Corde"


French power pop band Lùlù took the world by storm last year with its self-titled debut single. And now, in advance of its full-length debut, it has unveiled its second single, "Sur la Corde." Lùlù (featuring members of AVIONS, Irnini Mons, Pogy et les Kéfars, and Edgar Suit) is now making it clear that that its first single was no fluke. This band is the real deal! "Sur la Corde" is a song about the trials and tribulations of being in a band: the strained relationships, the mixed emotions, and the drama that can ensue when everyone runs out of patience. Surely many of you reading this right now can relate. Sometimes your bandmates can seem like your best friends and your worst enemies at the exact same time! Lùlù's debut LP will be out soon on Howlin' Banana Records (France), Dangerhouse (France) and Taken By Surprise (Germany). For now, enjoy the anthemic power pop of  "Sur la Corde"!

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Friday, April 04, 2025

Vista Blue - Clear Eyes, Full Hearts


"Every man will lose a battle at some point, it's true/
But if he doesn't lose himself, then he can make it through"

Vista Blue is certainly one of the most prolific bands in the indie/punk universe, but it very rarely releases full-length albums. So when we do get a long-playing release from Vista Blue, that counts as a special occasion. In the case of new album Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, that occasion is the band's tenth anniversary. Indeed it was ten years ago tomorrow that VB released Good Eye, its debut EP. Since then, the band has amassed a catalog that I would rate as impressive as any in the modern-day pop-punk world. Rodney Bingenheimer (the Grady Hunt of underground music) has championed the band on his radio show, and I'm not sure I'd even be doing this blog anymore if I weren't able to look forward to reviewing these guys 5.8 times per year. 

As you may have deduced from the title, Clear Eyes, Full Hearts is inspired by the acclaimed American television program Friday Night Lights (specifically the show's first season). The fact that Vista Blue wrote a full album about a TV show adapted from a movie adapted from one of the greatest non-fiction books ever written is very much on-brand. The band's last album, Stay Gold, was an homage to the novel (and movie) The Outsiders. Creating your own art about someone else's art is a very cool thing in my book. If someone asked me why I like Vista Blue so much, I'd probably say it's because they're pop culture geeks just like I am. If you're a fan of this band and have never seen Friday Night Lights, that should in no way discourage you from buying Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. Just be warned that it will make want to watch the show, so be prepared to make some time for a binge. 

What I love about Vista Blue is that you never know what you're going to get even though you always know what you're going to get. The band never strays too far from its signature style of pop-punk steeped in power pop and indie pop influences, but it always offsets its fastballs with plenty of curves and change-ups (I acknowledge that mixing my sports metaphors will get me two minutes in the penalty box). Over the course of a full-length album especially, it becomes clear what a wonderfully talented (and in my estimation, criminally underrated) songwriter Mike is. The band comes out swinging with "Can't Lose," which references the inspirational words of Coach Taylor but could just as easily be applied to our own lives. Songs like "She Doesn't Wanna Be Your Rally Girl," "Everybody Loves Football," and "Alamo Freeze" find Vista Blue running plays that have been proven to work time and time again. Elsewhere, the playbook opens up with the aggressive, minimalist punk of "Texas Forever" and "Grady Hunt's List," the quasi-instrumental rally anthem "Go, Panthers!", and the anthemic power pop of "State." And of course there's a VB-style arrangement of "Devil Town" to wrap it all up. 

While it thankfully lacks the lofty pretensions of a rock opera, Clear Eyes, Full Hearts definitely captures the spirit of the television series that inspired it. Whether you aspire to go to State or just need a little motivation to get through your day, this album has something to offer you. I can't listen to lyrics like "Some people wrote us off as easy to eliminate/But clear eyes and full hearts are things that they just can't evaluate" and not think that they also apply to Vista Blue on the occasion of its tenth anniversary. It would be goofy for me, in reference to a band I've reviewed 53 times, to say this album was better than I thought it would be. But it's certainly one of the best things Vista Blue has ever put out. I would highly recommend cranking it loudly in the car as you head out to grab some milkshakes or catch Crucifictorious's next gig. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose! 

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Guerrilla Teens - Monkey's Paw


What can I say about Guerrilla Teens that I haven't already said before? Simply put, this is one of the greatest rock 'n' roll bands out there — featuring members of some of the punk world's most illustrious acts of the past three decades. Far from a mere continuation of The Humpers or Lovesores, Guerrilla Teens have their own thing going on — and it's exciting! Featuring the talents of Scott "Deluxe" Drake on vocals, Jeff Fieldhouse on guitar, Saul Koll on guitar, Tim Connolly on drums, Anna Andersen on bass, and Dave Sobel on keyboards, Guerrilla Teens are not looking back at past glories. They're too busy crafting the next generation of classic punk rock 'n' roll songs to rest on any laurels. Their last album Under the Dagger was one of 2023's overlooked gems, but the follow-up Monkey's Paw beats it by miles. The album is out now in digital form, and a vinyl release from the ever-dependable Sioux Records is coming soon. 

You know what to expect from Monkey's Paw: ten tracks of electrifying Drake/Fieldhouse–penned rock 'n' roll haymakers featuring a firestorm of guitars, an unstoppable rhythmic backbone, and typically furious vocals from the ageless force of nature that is Scott Drake. This, in fact, might be the best album Drake has put his name on since the '90s. These are Guerrilla Teens' best songs to date, and the production and playing are perfect for this kind of music. Last year's excellent single "I Cyclops" kicks off the album emphatically. If you like straight-up '70s punk, "Mary's Got the Bomb" and "Johnny on the Mainline" will get your heart racing. If you're more in the mood for some restrained menace, "Sleepwalker" and "Tonight" (which sounds like the best Dead Boys song in decades) ought to hit the spot. "My Hometown" is pure rock 'n' roll and an absolute corker. Elsewhere, "Pride of the Savanna" and the smashing title track kick up the sort of wall-shaking unholy racket that all "garage" bands should aspire to. This is going to be one of the top albums of the year, and you will certainly want to follow Guerrilla Teens and Sioux Records on the socials for updates on when the vinyl is available. If anyone has any doubts about what real rock 'n' roll is, Monkey's Paw will make it all perfectly clear. 

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Sunday, March 30, 2025

Whimsyland - Bounty Bay


I'm not sure there are adequate words in the English language to properly articulate the joy that Whimsyland's new EP has put into the universe. Suffice it to say that there's no better time than the present to fill this universe with joy. Chadd Derkins, the visionary behind Whimsyland, is a titan in the pop-punk world and all-around great dude. And with this band/project/whatever you wanna call it, he has created something absolutely unique and original that still has the fundamental appeal of pop-punk. The concept of Whimsyland is that it's an imaginary theme park. As a childless cat person, I don't often have the opportunity to go to theme parks. But I've always loved them and what they represent: wonderment, whimsy, escape from reality, the belief in magic, and the limitlessness of the human imagination. The idea that a songwriter could invent an entire theme park in thorough and fantastic detail fills me with awe. I would recommend Whimsyland's 2022 album not just to fans of pop-punk but to any little kid or any adult with a little kid's heart. But check it out: it seems the park has expanded! 

Bounty Bay is Whimsyland's newest section — a land of swashbuckling pirates, singing birds, and tropical treats. Man, where do I get my ticket? Once again, Derkins has assembled The Whimsyland Band (Andy Conway, Mikey Erg, Chris Grivet, Grath Madden, and Charles Vorkas) to bring his musical vision to life. And on lead vocals, you will find enough special guest stars to put an episode of The Love Boat to shame. Seeing names like Danny Bailey (Jabber), Rachel Feldmann (Lipstick Homicide), Jason Shevchuk (Kid Dynamite, No More Black), PJ Sloan (Ruth's Hat, if you don't know, one of the best bands ever!), and Julian Warmland (Avem) on the list of vocalists might have you thinking of Whimsyland as a fantasy team assembled by a 21st century pop-punk nerd with impeccable taste. And maybe that's exactly what it is! Close your eyes and let these five songs take you to Bounty Bay. Hop on to Blurpy the Bumpy Barge, and soon you'll find yourself encountering some rough n tumble buccaneers, tasting the delectable Pineapple Dream (with a splash of rum if you're over 21!), and experiencing the thrilling spectacle of the Feathered Follies Bird Show. Musically, this EP combines everything's that's great about pop-punk, kids' music, and tropical pop. The wild creativity involved in the conception of these songs is matched only by the exceptional musical and vocal performances that have been captured on these recordings. Listening to this EP may have you wishing Bounty Bay were a real place. Well if you believe, it is real. 

If you have already visited Whimsyland, you will certainly want to come back and check out Bounty Bay. First-time guests will want to start with the main park and the countless delights it holds in store. Bloated Kat Records, Stardumb Records, and Waterlslide Records have joined forces to release Bounty Bay on 7", so be sure to follow the links below to secure your copy. Better yet, secure multiple copies. It would be bad form to buy this for your kid and then end up stealing it from them.

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The States - Gimme Joy


Let's add another one to the growing stack of rave reviews of The States' debut release! At seven tracks, the appropriately-titled Gimme Joy is either a generously sized EP or a really short album. Whatever you call it, it's sure to leave you wanting more. This Melbourne-based foursome brings a wide array of influences to the table (glam rock, power pop, punk, '60s girl groups, even a little country), but basically what we have here is a good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll band playing timeless and splendidly infectious music. The States are Scarlett Maloney (tuffy) on lead vocals and guitar, Joe Imfeld (The Prize) on lead guitar, Paddy Leahy on bass, and Georgie Harkin on drums. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel, and why would you want them to when they can turn out songs this good and play them with this much gusto? There's not a bad song in this bunch. In fact, you could land anywhere on this record and find yourself assured that rock 'n' roll is as alive and well as it has ever been. This is the kind of music you wish they still played on the radio! The States, who deliver the perfect mix of irresistible hooks and bad-ass attitude, will remind you of some of your old favorites (Suzi Quatro, Runaways, T.Rex, New York Dolls) without ever coming off like copyists. Gimme Joy is a great debut that creates sky-high expectations for a follow-up. Something tells me The States are not bound to disappoint.

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Saturday, March 29, 2025

Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin/The Amplifier Heads - "GlamOrama"/"We Just Don't Know"


Holy smokes: Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin and The Amplifier Heads have done a song exchange, and the resulting split single is out of this world! When two bands interpret each other's material, that is perhaps the best possible use of the split single format. I always love hearing two bands essentially pay tribute to one another, and I love hearing each band put its own signature on the chosen song. And in the case of this collaboration, I really enjoyed hearing this sort of exchange go down between two bands I like a lot. Rob Moss and Sal Baglio are both legends in this underground rock 'n' roll universe, and this project is an affirmation of their friendship and their admiration for one another's musical talents. 

First up, Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin tackle The Amplifier Heads' track "GlamOrama" from the 2021 album SaturnalienS. Backed by Tom McNally, Greg O'Toole, and Steve Naff, Moss really nails the other-worldly early '70s glam rock vibes of the song. If the original version made me imagine space aliens listening to David Bowie and New York Dolls in 1972, this version sounds like it could have actually been recorded by aliens. On The Amplifier Heads' side of this split, Bagio takes on Moss's instant classic "We Just Don't Know" and almost transforms it beyond recognition — reimagining it in easygoing singer/songwriter style and adding his unique vocal flair. What I like about this cover is that it celebrates the original rather than trying to upstage it. In this day and age when we too often think of cover songs as "filler," it's nice to be reminded that one songwriter interpreting another's material can itself be an art form if it's done well. If this is somehow your first time hearing either of these songs, I imagine you'll be inspired to check out the original versions. And if you're a fan of either or both bands, you're going to absolutely love this single. Great stuff from a couple of our scene's true class acts!  

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The Airport 77s - "If It's On, I'm In"


The Airport 77s have a new single out, and of course it's great! "If It's On, I'm In" is another absurdly catchy track from the D.C. area's finest pop trio. It's the first single from Don't Let Go, the band's forthcoming album on JEM Records. This song, while ostensibly a love song, could very well be the affirmative-thinking can-do anthem that a world plagued by spiritual malaise is dying for. Shouldn't we all resolve to be in if it's on and down if it drops down? Andy Sullivan seems to have a knack for writing songs that tell a story, and this tale is particularly intriguing. A lyric like "And when I tried to buy her a diet Moxie/She just tossed her hair and laughed/She said, 'You look like the kind of guy who's used to being strung along'" is going to be awfully hard to top in 2025. I too would be down for adventures involving electric scooters, Baskin Robbins, and city buses destined for parts unknown. Musically, I would just say that this sounds like The Airport 77s. It's very new wave influenced with a 1980s college radio spirit to it, and it manages to be consciously clever without crossing the line of becoming annoying. Sullivan's perky synthesizers are front and center on this track, and new band member Cal Everett (of D.C. power pop legends 4 Out of 5 Doctors) propels the song with his hot bass work. If that's not enough for you, how about a breakdown that's absolutely bonkers! This is a super-fun tune and a grade-A earworm at that. But who would expect anything less from The Airport 77s? Don't Let Go releases May 30th. Who's signing up to clown?
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Saturday, March 22, 2025

Real Sickies - Under a Plastic Bag


If you thought Real Sickies' last album Love Is For Lovers was a significant progression from their previous records, wait until you hear their new one! Under a Plastic Bag, the band's fifth album and first in nearly four years, is out now on Stomp Records. Engineered and produced by Joshua Wells (Autogramm, Lightning Dust), this album finds Real Sickies completely transcending their signature punk-pop sound. Ben and the gang really went for it on this release — incorporating influences ranging from late '70s/early '80s new wave & post-punk, '80s college radio, '90s alternative rock, and modern indie rock without straying too far from their classic punk and power pop roots. If the intention was to move things in a weirder, moodier direction, then clearly Wells was a perfect choice for a producer. Not surprisingly, Under a Plastic Bag is a genuine triumph. The band's flair for well-crafted hooks and anthemic choruses remains fully in tact, but this album offers way more variety and sophistication in songwriting than you'd ever expect from a Real Sickies record. If the band's earlier recordings tended to instantly grab you by the throat, this one pulls you in more gently and deliberately. You can't just listen to a song or two and predict what the rest of the album is going to be. A couple tunes like "Over Thought About It" and "Paralyzed" (the best song Teenage Head never wrote!) recall the Real Sickies of old. But for the most part, this album really breaks the mold. On songs such as "Wild Imagination" and "Destinations," you can really hear the more modern vibe the band was going for on this album. "Summer," perhaps my favorite track on the album, is pure pop that's redolent of the early '80s. "Never Going Back" hits that sweet spot where power pop meets '80s alt-rock. "Lost By a Landslide" sounds like something you might have heard on modern rock radio in the early 2000s. The band also does a wonderfully fresh & original interpretation of MOTO's classic "Choking on Your Insides."

Every great punk-pop band has to struggle with how to handle longevity. At some point, you can't continue to make the same record over and over. Love Is For Lovers was a sign that Real Sickies had ambitions beyond three-chord punk. Under a Plastic Bag takes that progression and accelerates it at a rate no one could have foreseen. Working with a producer who not only understands the band but also has a great feel for how to make new wave rock sound relevant and current in the 21st century, Real Sickies have delivered an album that is sure to attract new fans without alienating existing ones. Great album! 

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Vista Blue - "Clearing the Benches"


As it traditionally does, Vista Blue has released baseball-themed music to commemorate the beginning of baseball season. This year, that required some early preparation since Major League Baseball chose to start its 2025 regular season nine days before the actual start of the regular season. But Vista Blue was on it, and "Clearing the Benches" is another A+ pop-punk baseball release. 

While classifying Vista Blue as a baseball band would be no more accurate than classifying it as a holiday band or a movie band, I must say it never feels right for baseball season to commence without Vista Blue having had the first word. So by the time the Cubs took the field in Japan against the best team money can buy on Tuesday, "Clearing the Benches" had been released into the world, and I was emotionally ready for the first pitch to be thrown. The title track is a tribute to one of baseball's greatest traditions: dramatic, furious brawls in which no one actually fights. A couple of errant pitches cause tempers to flare. The umpire issues a warning. Someone charges the mound. The benches clear. The bullpens eventually do as well. But who's gonna throw a punch when having two working hands is integral to your livelihood? It's far better to just talk a little smack or go have a chuckle with your old college teammate. Vista Blue has accompanied the release of "Clearing the Benches" with an official music video so you can witness some perfectly family-friendly brawl footage as you listen to the song. And of course I love that the chorus is a callback to an iconic Ramones lyric. On the virtual B-side, "See You Later, Billy Ripken Card" is pretty much the ultimate pop-punk baseball song. If you remember the infamous Fleer Billy Ripken error card, then you know exactly which Queers song is being referenced here and why this song is an absolute work of genius. A ode to profanity this wholesome could only have come from the same guys who gave us "I Didn't Say Fudge" b/w "Notafinga" a couple year ago. For those of you who still own that particular card, you could probably fetch $150 for it. That could buy you 16 dozen eggs these days! 

It can't be easy to produce top-quality baseball songs every year (especially if you're not a baseball band), but Vista Blue has again delivered in the clutch. I'd be a total f**** face if I kept "Clearing the Benches" off my Opening Day playlist.

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Saturday, March 15, 2025

Golden Shitters - Brutal Planet


Do you think this whole world is going down the toilet? Do you hate your miserable life and most of the people in it? Have you observed that everything sucks these days? If so, Golden Shitters' new album Brutal Planet is for you. This Hamilton-based band comprised of Matt Ellis, Dave Tyson, and Kyle Fisher has delivered an instant classic of thumping, Ramones-inspired punk rock with lyrics reflecting the zeitgeist of these bleak times. Musically, Golden Shitters strip everything down to the essence of three-chord punk rock, and they do so to perfection. The majority of the 12 songs on Brutal Planet clock in under a minute-and-a-half, and the longest barely eclipses two minutes. The band puts on a clinic on how to be Ramones-inspired without necessarily being "Ramonescore." And I'm definitely hearing some early 2000s Dirtnap Records vibes as well. What this band does is so simple. Yet as I've said numerous times before, simple is hard to do well in music. These guys totally nail this style with fast-paced, catchy tunes and lyrics that are way deeper than it seems on the surface. Basically, anything that Matt Ellis is ever involved with is gold. In this case, it's Golden Shitters. Brutal Planet is a truly perfect punk rock album that will kick you in the teeth leave you wanting more. Push play, crank up the volume, and let your rage flow!

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