Saturday, July 18, 2026

The New Brutarians - "Tiger Tales"/"The New Picasso"


Back with another superb single, The New Brutarians are channeling Side 2 of G N' R Lies by way of The Dogs D'Amour. Written in his bed at the Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood, "Tiger Tales" is Adam T's ballad of an aging glam rocker — a song that finds him reflecting back on a journey we all take. One day, you're young and pretty, and so much seems to be in front of you. Then the next day you wake up, and the decades have passed. Life has kicked you in the butt pretty well, and you have all sorts of regrets and disappointments to confront. But you've also got precious memories and some great stories to tell. I've been a fan of Adam T for a long time, but there's something about the gravitas he possesses now that has me feeling like we're just starting to see (or hear) the best of him. He has blossomed into one of rock 'n' roll's finest living lyricists. "Tiger Tales"' lyrics absolutely knock me out, and they're delivered in such a way that you can really feel them. If you're going to do ballads, they should be like this where someone can hear it and be like, "Oh hell yes, this is my life, too!" The song is loaded with touchstone references and comes off like an anthem for all those Gen X glam-punks who are still fighting the good fight. How's this for a chorus? 

We were loaded like a night train
Reeling from the brain drain
Baby
Never got the invite
Never got the wind in our sails
Living in a house of pain
Loving all these lame flames
lately
But maybe tonight
I'll get that tiger by the tail
Tell some tiger tales

On "Tiger Tales," Adam T is joined by Deb Ruby on vocals along with Alan MP, Robbie Rist, Jerry Andrews, and Billy T.  It's a powerhouse of a song, and I love the way it culminates on a positive note — as Adam T remembers himself and his friends as "neon peacocks twisting in the air." Within a very particular community, this song will be goosebump-inducing. 

On the virtual B-side, "The New Picasso" is a stripped-down acoustic number that alternates between being a deeply intimate love song and a reflection on Adam's identity as an artist. Perhaps he's been called the new Bukowski or the new Stiv Bators a time or two, but at this point, he's the one-and-only Adam T. I love the rawness and simplicity of this song. Its mixture of humor ("I'm not gonna throw myself under a car near Porte de la Chapelle/Or cut off my fucking ear") and sincerity is deeply satisfying. A song like this can be hard to pull off, but this track could not be more perfect. 

"Tiger Tales," along with the recent New Brutarians singles "Born Out of Time," "Delinquent Things," "(Better Than The) Apocalypse," "Del Rio Way," and "Tonight's Your Night (Tonight)" has been compiled onto a 10" record that is coming out on Sioux Records. You diehard glam rockers will want to keep your eyes peeled for that! A digital version should also be available soon. As a whole, these songs represent a new distinct chapter for The New Brutarians, with much more certain to come!

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Golden Richards - "I Want to Be Like Jeff Goldblum"


It's never a proper summer without a new single from Golden Richards on my playlist. Thankfully, Gil Golden and Billy Richards are here with their 2026 contribution. I think they were just waiting for the smoke to clear! "I Want to Be Like Jeff Goldblum" is in that Golden Richards '90s power pop alternative rock sweet spot — a perfect track for road trips to the beach, poolside lounging, outdoor barbeques, and whatever else you enjoy doing in the summer weather. In typical Golden Richards fashion, the song tells a story. It's about a guy who's experiencing a little slump with the ladies and thinking he could totally turn it around if he were more like Jeff Goldblum. The song was inspired by Gil Golden discovering, a number of years ago, that a bandmate of his had a huge crush on Jeff Goldblum — and then doing some internet sleuthing and finding out that she was hardly alone! I mean, come on: who wouldn't want to be like Jeff Goldblum? Even now in his 70s, that dude has swag! This song is a Gil Golden/Billy Richards co-write, and it totally cranks. It's very Fountains of Wayne, and I'm not mad at that at all. I dig the way the verse sounds super punchy while the chorus is more laidback. That's a summer vibe for sure! This was a great concept for a song, and it's executed with cleverness and humor. You can always count on Golden Richards to produce a banger. Now summertime can begin in earnest!

-L.R.   

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Banda AL9 - Hey! Hey! We're Banda AL9


Banda AL9 are largely known as TikTok sensations, but I wouldn't hold that against them. The Brazilian duo made up of brothers Matheus and Thiago Khouri has just released its first album on Wicked Cool Records, and it's sure to please fans of power pop and the classic '60s pop that directly inspired it. The duo's excellent covers of The Rubinoos' "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" and Kurt Baker's "She Can Do It All" have been Underground Garage staples this year, and they definitely piqued my interest in hearing more. And so now we get more. Hey! Hey! We're Banda AL9 can most properly be called a compilation since most of the tracks are newly remixed and remastered versions of previously released songs. Little Steven has essentially given the United States and the world at large a proper introduction to Banda AL9 — compiling the best of the band's English language tracks along with a brand new song called "Indigo Skye" that was written by the head honcho himself. 

There's no doubt that when it comes to singing and harmonizing, the Khouri brothers are the real deal. But this album shows that they talented songwriters as well. If the cynical response to this year's radio hits was, "Great, but can they do more than covers?", the album answers that question in the affirmative. Of course the musical influences are obvious. But isn't that the whole point? I'm hearing The Beatles meet The Everly Brothers on "She Calls Me Love." "American Girl" brings to mind Big Star doing the Beach Boys (or is it the other way around?). "Love Bug" is early American rock 'n' roll by way of The Fab Four. The aforementioned "Indigo Skye" kind of sounds like Frankie Valli trying his hand psychedelic pop, and I am here for it! The ballad "The Best Night Of Our Lives" is back in Everlys territory, and I have no complaints. "The Only One" and the absolutely splendid "California" demonstrate that these lads can do the '70s power pop thing at a level that rivals many of their musical heroes. If "She Can Do It All" is still the best track, that's no knock. These guys took a great song and genuinely made it their own. 

Living as we do in a post Lemon Twigs world where classic guitar pop is cool again, I'm excited to find out how far a band like Banda AL9 can go. Hey! Hey! We're Banda AL9 is an album in the tradition of the 1960s heyday of pop and rock 'n' roll. It cherry-picks much of Banda AL9's best existing material to create an album that properly represents what this band is all about. This group is no overnight sensation. The brothers have been at it since 2017, steadily honing their craft and deepening their love for melody-driven pop-rock of many different eras. Certainly a lot of folks will enjoy this record because it reminds them of music from another time, but I can see younger audiences loving it as well. Banda AL9 infuses a timeless musical style with youthful excitement. Steven Van Zandt wasn't going to sign a band just because he thought they could sell records. The Khouri brothers are legit. They've got that family band chemistry that always appeals to me, and their unapologetic love for pure pop music is something I relate to deeply. And the joy that they exude is genuine and infectious. Trends in music come and go, but melody, harmonies, and catchy choruses are eternal. World, meet Banda AL9! 

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Thursday, July 16, 2026

Amplifier Heads - Super 8


Smack dab in the middle of this most wonderful year for music — a year in which many have observed that real deal rock 'n' roll has come back with a vengeance — it seems fitting that we would be treated to a new full-length album from The Amplifier Heads. Super 8 releases tomorrow on the world-famous Rum Bar Records. It is, by my count, the band's sixth LP. And it's almost certainly the finest effort yet from Sal Baglio and friends. It's essentially a sonic journey through rock 'n' roll history — a history that is, in fact, still being written. As you would expect from an Amplifier Heads album, the menu is packed with a variety of popular flavors. You'll hear hints of everything from the blues and first generation rock 'n' roll to the British Invasion to garage rock to power pop to glam rock to the Rolling Stones to OG punk rock. If the firecracker opening track "Rock N' Roll Riot" had been the whole record, Baglio could have dropped the mic and declared victory. But that's just a starting point, and Super 8 keeps on bringing the hits. Life is too short to waste on filler. 

Off the bat, "Rock N' Roll Riot" is a pure jolt of raucous energy to get you moving and shaking and dominating your day. It literally starts at the beginning — time-traveling back to the Moondog Coronation Ball in Cleveland in 1952 and rocketing forward into the world-altering sonic explosion that soon followed. On the sexy and sticky-sweet "Hot Stars," the time machine stops off in the early '70s for a rendezvous with Marc Bolan. "A Song Called Sha La La" takes it back to the '60s and slyly pilfers a melody from The Troggs. Baglio, as he longs for someone out there to write another timeless rock 'n' roll radio smash, proceeds to will that very thing into existence. Just like that, you've got an opening 1-2-3 punch that few albums will ever beat. But wait! There's more! "They Don't Dance Anymore" is a reflective ballad longing for a time when rock 'n' roll ruled the airwaves and all the kids still knew how to groove. "A Girl Named Chop Suey" is kickin' livewire garage rock that winks and nods in the direction of "Louie Louie." "Can't Put My Finger On It," which is a little bit country and a whole lot of rock 'n' roll, is an earworm of master class status. "Superstar" sounds like the best song Dave Edmunds never wrote. "Hot Wax" takes us back to a moment in time when rock 'n' roll was climbing mischievously out of the womb of rhythm and blues — a suitable last stop on this full circle journey through time and sound. 

It's hard not to look back at last year's tremendous Peppermint Kicks album Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum (which Baglio co-authored) and note that Super 8 seems to have been made from the same magical stuff. Sometimes The Amplifier Heads sound like an intergalactic rock machine, but on this record, they're sticking to Planet Earth and the scorching sounds that pumped new life into it in the latter half of the 20th century. As a songwriter, Baglio has never sounded more inspired. Joined by Kevin "King" Rapillo on drums and Brad Hallen on bass (along with some special guest stars on a few tracks), he exemplifies everything that rock 'n' roll ought to be and still can be. There's no need for bells and whistles when you can conjure this sort of glorious and rousing racket that comes roaring out of the garage and into the dive bars and dance halls. These guys truly put their soul into this record, and the joy is palpable in every note. This is the work of a child of the '60s who fondly recalls the majestic past but isn't resigned to being stuck in it. 

Is Super 8 a throwback record? Yes and no. The whole point of all this time traveling is to remind ourselves why we still love rock 'n' roll and why we all remain so passionate about its preservation. All of you out there playing in bands, running labels, promoting music, buying records, hosting radio shows, writing reviews, and going out to see bands don't even have to question why you do it. This is the music that sets our souls on fire. Who wants to live in a world without rock 'n' roll? Thankfully we'll never have to (as the first half of 2026 has made evident). Gather 'round, true believers, and behold the gospel according to The Amplifier Heads!

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Sunday, July 12, 2026

Bart and the Brats - Brats Being Brats


Bart is back! Out on Big Neck Records, Brats Being Brats is the 7th 7" record from La Rochelle, France's one-man wrecking crew Bart and the Brats. The title says it all. You should expect nothing different than usual from Bart. He's not attempting five-minute epics or trying to learn a fourth chord. He's not singing about his feelings. He's here to deliver four more tracks of thumping meat and potatoes rock 'n' roll that bridges the 1977 punk explosion to the '90s budget punk heyday. Expect vocals drenched in attitude, lyrics that tell it like it is, pummeling power chords, rapid-fire drums and bass, and songs that never overstay their welcome. Who can't relate to songs about killing your TV and needing three coffees before noon? As always, Lo'Spider was on hand to catch this madness on tape at Swampland, Toulouse. As France shows the whole world that it's unbeatable on the football pitch, Bart and the Brats would make one hell of a run if there were a World Cup of punk rock. Vinyl is limited and sure to go fast!

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Vista Blue - "Wooden Horse"


In addition to holding the record for being the most frequently reviewed band on Faster and Louder (today they surpass Roger Maris with write-up #62), Vista Blue is also the only band that I've ever reviewed both twice on the same day and on back-to-back days. The back-to-back day part of that has been accomplished today, and I know a lot of you are speculating about any improper benefits I may have received in exchange for facilitating such a milestone. Let me reiterate that it would be unlawful for me to accept any shipment of alcoholic beverages brought into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from an unlicensed entity. The truth is that I just really love this band and really love writing about this band. I will go as far as to vow that I will continue to write about music for as long as Vista Blue continues to exist as a musical entity. So yeah, if Vista Blue releases a song in 2050 to celebrate Pete Crow-Armstrong's Baseball Hall of Fame induction, I'll almost surely be there to write a review that you can download from a microchip in your eyeball and read in your flying car. 

Just when I was starting to wonder how nearly every band I love releasing an album in 2026 would impact the musical offerings of 2027, I get my first "I can't wait until next year!" moment. In March of 2027, Vista Blue will release an epic project titled 50 Stories. The album will include 50 songs, which will all be inspired by books and short stories Mike has enjoyed over the years. Given that I'm a book geek when I'm not busy being a music geek and a sports geek, I'm really stoked about this release. The brand-new single "Wooden Horse" is a sneak preview of the album. Leave it Vista Blue to take inspiration from Homer's Odyssey and come up with a love song! The song's release, of course, coincides with The Odyssey hitting movie theaters this week. It's something a little different for Vista Blue. It features strings arranged and recorded by Nicolas Ocampo and falls closer to pure majestic pop than it does to punk rock. That said, it still feels like a classic Vista Blue song. 

Obviously, when you're putting 50 songs on an album (I still can't believe they're doing that!), there's going to be a lot of variety in terms of musical style. So this is just a little taste of what's to come. Mike and Mark really knocked this one out of the park, and I appreciate that the use of strings actually fits the song. They didn't say, "Let's put strings on this track because we can!" They put a lot of thought into this one, and I feel like the folks at Universal Pictures will be pretty upset they didn't know about the song in time to put it in the movie. This tune has bigtime closing credits energy! The connection to the Odyssey is undeniable, yet the song's relatability transcends any particular work of literature. Will this be on Christopher Nolan's personal playlist by year's end? I wouldn't be surprised!

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Saturday, July 11, 2026

Vista Blue - "50 Years"


There are few things I enjoy more in life than a happy love song. And if it's coming from one of my favorite bands, I'm going to be doubly delighted. On its new single "50 Years," Vista Blue has brought us the ultimate happy love song. The song celebrates the 50th wedding anniversary of the band's good friends Kent and Barbie Duffy. Kent co-wrote the lyrics with Mike, and then Mike and Mark recorded the song. Kent and Barbie gave their blessing for the song to be released for streaming, and now we all get to share in the celebration!  

First of all, congratulations to Kent and Barbie! 50 years of marriage is an amazing, beautiful thing, and I wish you many more anniversaries to come! Secondly, I'm really blown away by what a genuinely fantastic song this is. To be able to write a song like this that's heartfelt, beautiful, and sentimental without being cheesy is an amazing achievement. The song takes a matter-of-fact approach that is touching and relatable. I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up the first two to seven times I read the lyrics. The line "I closed my eyes and opened them/And now it's been 50 years" absolutely gives me goosebumps (I'm feeling the exact same way today about 17 years!). I love the way the song looks back at all the things that have happened in those 50 years — the places Kent and Barbie have lived, the children they've raised, the songs on the radio that have come and gone. And here they still are. The last verse incorporates a passion for music into their love story and reflects on memorable shows they've seen together. And of course, Mike and Mark perform the song joyfully and splendidly. 

There's so much darkness and despair in this world right now, so a song as sweet and uplifting as this was exactly what I needed. I don't think Mike ever gets enough credit for being an excellent singer (honestly, it was the first thing I noticed about Vista Blue back in the day), and here he takes on the tall task of having to give voice to the words that came from another person's heart. But that plays to his natural sincerity as a singer. What an inspired performance, and what a wonderful anniversary gift to give to dear friends! Much is made of Vista Blue being lyrically unconventional for a pop-punk band, but isn't that exactly what makes this band so endearing? Even when they're not doing love songs, the love is always coming through since every song means something to them. Here, they are doing a love song, and it couldn't be more perfect.

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Mauro & The Mob - What Have I Got To Lose


Mauro Venegas (ex Speedways, Godfathers, Jonny Cola & the A-Grades, the Rocks ) has launched a new solo-ish project, and of course it's brilliant! "What Have I Got To Lose," Mauro & the Mob's debut single, will be released on vinyl this fall by Spain's Snap!! Records. The digital tracks are already available from Bandcamp and well worth owning in advance of the 7". The title track, featuring David Ryder Prangley on bass and Steve Grainger on drums, is a straight shot of rockin' power pop with impassioned vocals and a killer chorus. On the flip side, "Don't Look Now" (featuring additional playing by producer Jez Leather) is a little more '80s new wave-ish and quite reminiscent of the excellent songs Mauro wrote for the last Speedways album. Those guitar lines are immediately recognizable as his, and they mingle nicely with the keyboards that drive the song. This is a very nice pairing of tunes: one a little punchier, and the other a little moodier. But which one is the hit? It's a tough call! Keep your eyes peeled for information about the vinyl release, which is slated for September! This will be up there with the best singles of the year. 

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Tuesday, July 07, 2026

Tiger Bomb - 15 Super Hits


You have to love an album with the name 15 Super Hits. Right off, you know to expect nothing more and nothing less than fun and timeless rock 'n' roll. There will be no robot voices or seven-minute songs about dragons. You know that when you put that record on, you'll soon be dancing and singing along and generally having a great time. Tiger Bomb, a band co-fronted by Chris Horne from garage rock legends The Brood and Lynda Mandolyn from Fabulous Disaster, has been at it for nearly a decade now. I am more than a little chagrined that I've never previously reviewed this band that was practically tailor-mode for this blog. But the great thing about being a fan of music is that it's never too late to get hip (pun intended) to all kinds of good stuff. With a lineup rounded out by Amanda Ayotte (Legendary Unknowns) on bass and Jessica Smith (The Resistance) on drums, the Portland, Maine–based Tiger Bomb plays upbeat & infectious garage rock influenced by girl groups, punk rock, power pop, and classic pop and rock 'n' roll. Yeah, I know: that sounds like something I would be into! Out on the legendary Get Hip Recordings, the aptly named 15 Super Hits features 15 original songs that could easily pass for covers of forgotten '60s classics.  

The singing and songwriting partnership between Horne and Mandolyn is one of the things that really makes Tiger Bomb special. The former's songs are mostly high-energy garage rock shakers, while the latter's lean more towards power pop. But Horne's songs still have killer hooks, and Mandolyn's songs still pack plenty of punch. And all these songs go together splendidly. It never feels like you're listening to two different bands. Both of these women could carry (and have carried) a band as the lead songwriter, but they sure are dynamite together. I can't think of one song I would want to subtract from the track list, and even a healthy collection of 15 songs leaves me wanting more. 

Given the individuals involved, it's hardly a surprise that Tiger Bomb is such a fantastic band. But this group is more than just the sum of its parts. These four women get rock 'n' roll, and as a unit, they are an absolute ball of fire. They are masters of their craft, yet they play with the energy and enthusiasm of teenagers in the garage. Many of you are reading this and thinking, "What took you so long, dude?" The rest of you will be wondering how quickly you can acquire Tiger Bomb's full discography. Happy shopping!

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Bashful - 'Til It Makes You Sick


This one was an A+ recommendation from Niek. From Richmond, Virginia, Bashful has unleashed an absolute banger of a new album in 'Til It Makes You Sick. I believe the technical way to describe this is "punk rock that kicks ass." You know what I'm talking about: mega-blasting guitars, relentlessly pounding drums, vocals with guts and heart, and hooks that never quit. Pop-punk can often be a hit-or-miss thing, but this is a band that gets it right. Whatever frequent complaints you might have about pop-punk (too wimpy, dumb lyrics, annoying vocals, no originality, etc.) will not apply here. This record is a total firecracker. These songs are as likely to make you want to start a pit in your living room as they are to get stuck in your head. I often have a sweet spot for pop-punk that seems to have been teleported in from the '90s, but Bashful sounds a little more contemporary. I love that you can feel the passion that Bashful put into these songs. This music is infectious and full of life. If I'm sitting on the couch and you ask me why I'm so sweaty, I'll say, "I was listening to Bashful." 

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Thursday, July 02, 2026

Sparkle Blood - ZIP ZAP


From Lethbridge, Alberta, Sparkle Blood is a terrific trio making punky, poppy, modern rock with thoughtful lyrics and hooks a plenty. On its new album ZIP ZAP, the band (Tyler Stewart on guitar/vocals, Bre Day on drums, and Bailey Kate on bass/vocals) dishes out 12 earworm tracks in just 27 minutes. As a songwriter, Stewart is a master of efficiency. Each song comes in, grabs your attention, and then quickly makes way for the next. A lot of these songs (like "Mad About It," "The World Is Run By Sexist Men," and "In Real Life") are political in nature and don't hold back anything. But overall, the vibe of this record is warm and upbeat ("Totally Ignorant" has to be the happiest-sounding angry song I've ever heard). Stewart has the gift of being someone you can't help but like the moment he opens his mouth to sing. He can write serious songs without getting pretentious about it, and themes of friendship and fun loom large throughout this record. "This album speaks to the importance of recognizing we all have to take an active role in shaping the society we want to live in," says Stewart. "But at the same time, we can't take every moment of every day too seriously." From start to finish, the quality of the songs is top-notch. And the energy level rarely takes a dip. Yeah, I know there are thousands of new tracks coming out every day. It's just so hard to keep up. But Sparkle Blood is very much worth your time. These three make music that will give you hope in humanity. You'll want to buy their record. You'll want to drink beers and watch hockey with them. If this is "happy punk," sign me up for more!

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Consensus Madness - Endeavors


On its debut album, Chicago-based Consensus Madness fills a rather large void in today's punk rock scene. Certainly there are more than a few contemporary bands that could trace their spiritual and stylistic lineage back to The Clash, Sex Pistols, Stooges, Buzzcocks, or Black Flag. There's a whole subgenre devoted to worshipping at the church of the Ramones. But when was the last time you heard a new band and thought, "This is like a modern-day Bags"? Well, Consensus Madness slots into that space nicely with a powerful, rapid-paced sound that meets at the intersection of first wave punk rock and early hardcore with a touch of post-punk/new wave to boot. On Endeavors (out on Iron Lung Records), the band breathes new life into a classic sound. OG California punk vibes co-exist with a distinctly Midwestern sensibility, and you can feel the urgency in the music, vocals, and lyrics. A younger version of me would have been won over simply by a band attempting this sound. But what impresses me is how well Consensus Madness pulls it off. These tunes are killer, and the band sounds tight and energetic. And lead singer Sarah is the real deal. She may be following in the footsteps of Alice Bag and Poly Styrene, but she's no copyist. She's an original in her own right with charisma for days. If you're looking for a band that's got something important to say about life and the world in 2026, crank tracks like "Let's Go To War," "Living and Dying," and "Superfund" as loudly as possible and join the resistance. At a lean 10 tracks, Endeavors will hit you with everything it's got and leave you wanting more. A superb debut!

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Wednesday, July 01, 2026

Songs From The Film* - "She Don't Mind"/"Waiting For the World to Explode"


I didn't have much time to cry in my beer over the sudden split of The Cheap Cassettes. Charles Matthews has already launched his new solo project Songs From The Film* (who doesn't love a good Tommy Keene reference every once in a while?). A debut single (and video!) have been unleashed on this very blessed day. Are you ready? Are you excited? 

The beauty of recording solo material is that it doesn't necessarily have to fit in with any particular band or even any particular genre of music. You can just write the songs that are in your heart. Whatever comes out is whatever comes out! My history with writing about Charles's music now dates back 30 years. We were both young men then. Now, we're somehow still young men since 55 is the new 30. The first thing I'll say about this single is that it sounds like Charles. This is him on a plate that you'll absolutely want to eat up. This isn't specifically a punk rock project or a power pop project, but you can hear elements of both — along with all that bubblegum glam rock and big hair new wave pop we all grew up on. Anyone who loved the Dimestore Haloes and Cheap Cassettes will recognize Charles's signature style and voice. It's not like this is his Metal Machine Music. He's still in the familiar territory of hooky three-chord rock 'n' roll with punchy guitars. But at the same time, this is something a little different. You can hear Charles experimenting a little with his guitar tone, vocals, and the overall vibe. The guitar riffs on "She Don't Mind" are by themselves worth the price of admission. 

Upbeat and rockin,' "She Don't Mind" is a more conventional loud pop love song and certified smash. I literally laughed out loud at the entire first verse — not just because of the cleverness of it all but also because I recognized my own experience in those lines. If you can find your person who can put up with all your weirdness and return it with their own wonderful weirdness, that's a priceless, beautiful thing. A line like "And the day we met, I knew I'd be your singin', dancin' clown" hits me so hard that it gives me chills. If that's a little too much feelgood for your tastes, the mid-tempo rocker "Waiting For the World to Explode" ought to be very much to your liking. Who can't relate to a song about being so disenchanted with living in this dystopian timeline that you start thinking that the complete obliteration of the world might be a best-case scenario? Tailgating the apocalypse with a six-pack of Corona would be half-hearted; a 12-pack, though, is a full commitment. I love social commentary, sarcasm, and dark humor. Put them all together, and you've got pure gold. 

Recording by yourself has to be way harder than it seems. You are responsible for getting every detail right, and you're likely to be far more critical of yourself than you'd be of bandmates. When it comes to all those hours spent rehearsing and recording in solitude, you better damn well hope you like the company. It takes a special temperament and skill set to excel as a solo artist. For every George Michael, there are ten Stings. Thankfully, Charles Matthews is the antithesis of Sting. When I first heard "She Don't Mind," I knew that he had freaking nailed it with this new project. It was an immediate "Holy shit! This is good!" reaction. And before I could consider that maybe I was just a weirdo with funny taste in music, bona fide movers and shakers like Malibu Lou and Ryan Meyers had joined the fan club too. I'll gladly throw my lot in with those guys. Songs From The Film* has come out firing like a rocket. Digital is available now from the mighty Rum Bar Records. Vinyl is coming soon from Sioux Records. And how cool is that music video? Add the title of "filmmaker" to Charles's resume!

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Sugar - "Keep Looping"


"Swipe and scroll.
Drop and roll.
Heads on fire." 

It still blows my mind when I realize Sugar is really back — as if I merely daydreamed this reunion and will soon wake up to discover that I imagined the whole thing. If anything, it seems like people are not talking enough about Sugar being revived and sounding very much like, uh, Sugar! "Keep Looping" is the band's third new track since last October, and the thing is blistering. On this song, Bob Mould is raging against AI and screen addiction, and that certainly could not be more topical in 2026. Sometimes I live in denial that we're living in a nightmare dystopia, but good ole' Bob is confronting the madness head-on. This is the punkiest and most ferocious the band has sounded since reuniting. Listen to those guitars! Listen to that rhythm section! The song would not have sounded out of place on Cooper Blue or Beaster. Man, this was no half-assed comeback. Sugar is ripping it like a band in its prime, and "Keep Looping" is truly a song for these times. Keep 'em coming, fellas!

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Get The Net - Til House Lights


Sometimes I'll hear a band, and instantly, it's all the feels. New Jersey's Get The Net was a King Ralph recommendation, and I'm extremely thankful to have been made hip to the trio's full-band debut album. Starting out as Ryan Raichilson's solo project back in his college days, Get The Net has been reborn and revamped into a proper band — and a very promising one at that. 

Having come up in the world of '90s pop-punk, I can never get enough of a certain sound and style that Get The Net executes to perfection. That style is the less snotty, more melodic variant of pop-punk. You know what I'm talking about: punchy guitars, heartfelt lyrics, hummable melodies, and a singer who can actually sing. Music like this was practically the air that I breathed when I was a skinny pop-punk kid thirty-some years ago, and it still hits a sweet spot today. On Til House Lights, Get The Net powers through 12 tracks that take me back to pop-punk's heyday without necessarily sounding like any other bands in particular. When it comes to pop-punk, this is how it ought to be done. The songwriting and lyrics are top-notch, and the playing is tight and crisp. The production is just right — applying an appropriate amount of polish that allows those melodies to shine without dulling the power of the guitars and drums. This is a rock-solid, well-crafted album from start to finish and truly a breath of fresh air in the pop-punk universe. I will now pass Ralph's recommendation forward. If you like good pop-punk, this is a record you really ought to check out. The Garden State does it again!
 
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