The Speed Dials - SD Demos

My first reaction to The Speed Dials' demo was "Wow!" I'm always excited to hear straight-forward power pop carried off with tremendous energy and perfect simplicity. And it didn't take me long to recognize a familiar voice on lead vocals. The Speed Dials are a little bit of a Philadelphia indie-pop supergroup. The band is made up of Brendan from Log Flume on guitar/vocals, Dale from Civil Rats/Dummest Records on bass, and Ryan from Mango Safari on drums. That's an impressive lineup, and the songs live up to the pedigree. You can hear elements of these guys' other bands, but The Speed Dials are a royal treat for fans of classic power pop. In this age of streaming, the line between a proper demo and a self-released home-recorded EP has been blurred. So I like that The Speed Dials are calling this a demo. It suggests that this is just the start of something much bigger. The band just played its first show on July 15th, and it is set to record a debut album in the fall. These four songs are just a little taste of what the album will be, and it's immediately obvious that these guys have got something special going. All these songs are really good, but the band was wise to lead with "Ordinary" —a bona fide hit in any era. And looking at the band's logo, I can't help but feel a little twinge of nostalgia for the age of landline phones! Remember when you had to physically pick up a phone to call your girlfriend or boyfriend? Power pop fans, you'll want to get in on the ground floor floor with The Speed Dials!

-L.R.

https://thespeeddials.bandcamp.com/album/sd-demos
https://www.instagram.com/thespeeddials.phl

Log Flume - Go Where The Money Goes

The only thing cooler than being pleasantly surprised by a new band's debut album is being pleasantly surprised when its second album turns out to be even better. 2024's Splash Hit was a seemingly out-of-nowhere hit for Philadelphia-based foursome Log Flume. It had scrappy indie charm in spades, but it built its foundation on the timeless art of melody-driven guitar pop. And there was something immediately likeable about the band that was hard to put into words (beyond the band name bringing up cherished childhood memories!). Had Log Flume gone back to the same script on its sophomore release, I would have been perfectly happy. But Go Where The Money Goes finds the band taking a big leap forward, and it does so without losing the qualities that made its predecessor so great. That likability is still undeniable, and again the songwriting is super-lean (with not a single track reaching three minutes). But the band has come into its own in ways that were only hinted at last time. If well-crafted guitar pop is something you live for, this album needs to be on your must-hear list. 

While Log Flume is still working that indie power pop territory on album #2, its influences run deeper and its sound is more elegant and refined. From the jump, "Dynamic" makes it clear that infectious pop hooks remain this band's calling card. But it's on track two, "Far from You," that the progression really becomes evident. At this point Log Flume sound less like promising up-and-comers and more like established masters of their craft. It's evident that they've become more accomplished songwriters and musicians and have have fully blossomed as a band. "Necessary Evil" is a gorgeous, sophisticated slice of mature power pop. "Got This Feeling" brings a more delicate, laidback touch yet still sounds fully realized in only two minutes. "Up By 9 O'Clock" is full-on psychedelic pop that channels the '60s by way of '80s indie rock. "Misery" is jangly indie pop done to perfection. It wakes up echoes of the '80s and '90s yet still sounds like music of now. Elsewhere, "Anything" finds the band exploring its punkier side with full energy and exuberance. "Every Single Day" brings back some of that early Weezer energy from the last album but doesn't seem like a rehash. Album closer "Follow You Around" is a particular highlight, and it encapsulates everything I love about this record. It's at once a progression from the band's earlier work and a reminder of why I came to love this group in the first place. It's two minutes of pure, perfect pop. 

When I heard that Log Flume had a new album coming out, I was excited to hear it. I knew it would be good. But did I expect it to be this good? Probably not. It's impressive that the band has figured out how to give its songs more room to breathe without making them longer. Compared to Splash Hit, Go Where The Money Goes comes off more as more painstakingly crafted and certainly more meticulously produced (kudos to Mike Bardzik), but it retains the first album's whimsical joy and knack for instantly addictive hooks. 2026 is quickly shaping up to be The Year of Power Pop. The selection of stellar releases in that universe is mounting and mounting, and Log Flume has delivered an album that is up there with the best of that stuff. A physical release on cassette is out on Philly's home of the hits, Dummest Records!

-L.R.

https://logflume.bandcamp.com/album/go-where-the-money-goes
https://open.spotify.com/album/6e00kXlrTTIINrjeulom3I
https://www.instagram.com/logflumeband/
https://dummestrecords.bandcamp.com/

The Keefs - "Fleshbomb"

Hey! There's a new Keefs single out in the world! The Keefs, the Delaware/Philly-based band that released some of the most essential punk rock 'n' roll cuts of the early 2010s, have brought back "Fleshbomb," an oldie but goodie from their live set. This track features a lineup of Dave, Kenn, Vince, and Andy along with one of America's most preeminent rock keyboardists, Mr. Kris Rodgers. If you like The Keefs, well this is vintage Keefs. It's a straight-forward rocker with gritty vocals, melodic guitars, a hooky chorus, and a powerful sound. It was recorded by Arik Victor at Creep Recording Studio in Philly, and it sounds absolutely crackling. The Keefs were literally featured on Day One of this blog (June 9, 2011), so it's always a pleasure when new music from these guys shows up online. "Fleshbomb" is a total scorcher and a must for your spring/summer "turn it up loud!" playlist!

-L.R.

https://open.spotify.com/album/44euli8uWnrWMhDdCL00Ht
https://thekeefs.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.facebook.com/TheKeefs/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBL3VNyCKCC-kBMi_aPwhzw

The Falling Out - Don't

It's probably a little late to be talking about New Year's resolutions. But if I had some, one of them would be to write about more bands from "my area" — which I would loosely define as anything in between the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers (even though I'm technically a few miles west of that). On that note, The Falling Out are an awesome band from Philadelphia, and their new album Don't is one of the most original and interesting things I've heard in a while. It comes to us from the ever-reliable Dummest Records, who also proudly rep the City of Brotherly Love. 

Don't is a not-quite sophomore album from The Falling Out. It's more like album 1.5, as it's comprised of a few tracks the band wrote for its debut LP (but were not properly mixed in time to be on the album) as well as newly remixed versions of some songs that were on the album. The first time I listened to this record, I didn't know quite what to make of it. It doesn't quite fit into any of my usual go-to genres. But that's not a bad thing at all. As I continued to listen, I was really blown away by the quality of the songs and the undeniable appeal of the band. Broadly, The Falling Out sound like garage rock meets reverb-heavy indie/alternative with co-ed harmony vocals and the feel of '60s pop and rock 'n' roll. Sometimes they remind me of X if they'd been into the Jesus and Mary Chain. Other times, I'm hearing a less-campy Cramps. Other times, they aren't too far off from the loud crunching garage/punk/pop I'm always so fond of. The band enlisted EJ Hagen to mix and master these tracks. So the unreleased songs are now ready for the world to hear, and the previously released tracks have been given a slightly noisier edge. It all comes together nicely, which is no surprise given that all these songs were written around the same time. There's a great variety of tunes on this album. Songs like "I Draw the Line" and "We're Alright" work a more controlled pace and really let those harmonies and melodies breathe. "I Don't Believe in Love" and "Dead Dumb and Blind" are full-bore rockers that absolutely pound. "I Don't Wanna Cry" is straight-forward garage/punk/powerpop that totally rules. "Falling," one of the remixed tracks from the self-titled album, is one of the catchiest and most exhilarating rock 'n' roll tunes you'll hear all year.  

If you enjoyed The Falling Out's debut album, you'll certainly enjoy Don't. And if Don't is your first exposure to The Falling Out, it will surely make you want to hear the debut album. This Philly trio has a cool vibe and legit killer songs, and it's certain that I will be following this band closely in the future. Hand-stamped red cassettes are available now from Dummest Records' Bandcamp!

-L.R.

https://dummestrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dont

https://thefallingout1.bandcamp.com/album/dont

https://open.spotify.com/album/07nThsFzRN3W9S1xuPbKlV

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Falling-Out-100078828697881/

https://www.instagram.com/the.falling.out/

https://www.instagram.com/dummestrecords

https://www.facebook.com/p/Dummest-records-61571409517040/

The Bacarrudas - "Ring-A-Ding-Ding!" b/w "Christmas Struttin'"

A Christmas single from Philadelphia's finest frat rock band has become a proper tradition, so why should 2025 be any different? The Bacarrudas are back with a perfect 1-2 punch of new holiday standards.  "Ring-A-Ding-Ding!" is all about joy and nostalgia. Think jingle bells, sugary treats, bright lights, and kids anticipating the toys they'll find under the tree. This is a straight-up rocker to get everyone up and dancing at the Christmas party. If you snuck this song onto any of those all-Christmas radio formats, people would just assume that it was some lost classic. On the virtual flipside, "Christmas Struttin'" is more of an anti-Christmas song. This one goes out to everyone who is down on their luck at this time of the year or simply not feeling the Christmas spirit. The Bacarrudas are such a great party band, but here they show their ability to move into more poignantly soulful territory. Adam's vocal is quite redolent of Peter Wolf, and that's not a bad thing at all. Whatever your mood might be this holiday season, this single has got something for you. If you're going to bother to write new Christmas songs in 2025, you ought to do it this well!

-L.R.

https://thebacarrudas.bandcamp.com/album/ring-a-ding-ding
https://open.spotify.com/album/4BfRdDWyMxLQmEVq8gmLo8
https://www.instagram.com/the_bacarrudas/
https://www.facebook.com/thebacarrudas/

The Bacarrudas - ..... Play A Halloween Monster House Party

Now here's my kind of horror vibe! Philly's always fabulous The Bacarrudas have treated us to a an epic frat rock Halloween party soundtrack on their new album/double EP that's fully titled The Bacarrudas Bleed Out, Get Pushed off a Cliff, Sink to the Bottom of a Lake, and Play a Halloween Monster House Party! I've always loved the idea of a bunch of monsters throwing a house party for Halloween, and The Bacarrudas are here to show us what that would sound like. In attendance are Lady Frankenstein, The Phantom Creep, The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, Dracula, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Mummy, and a black cat behind every door. Imagine that scene! 

This is the way I like my spooky sounds: with the wild and infectious energy of '60s garage, R & B, punk, and surf rock. If you're gonna bleed out, get pushed to the bottom of a cliff, sink to the bottom of a lake, and play a monster house party, this is exactly the kind of energy you would put into your performance! Is it possible to sound creepy and high-spirited at the same time? Well, it seems The Bacarrudas are showing us exactly how it's done! These tunes will have you shaking your ass and screaming in delight, and you'll quickly conjure up the nerve to mingle with the monsters so you can get closer to the stage. Just make sure that the bartender doesn't over-serve Frankenstein's monster! When it comes to this style of music, The Bacarrudas always pull if off with a gusto that can't be denied. They're not just playing frat rock — they're living it. If more fun music exists in this universe, I have yet to hear it......Play A Halloween Monster House Party is available now from Mom's Basement Records. If you have kids, I would imagine that they would go bonkers for this album. But then you'd always be stealing it to listen to it yourself. Here's an easy solution: buy two copies!

-L.R.

https://momsbasementrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-bacarrudas-play-a-halloween-monster-house-party
https://momsbasementrecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-bacarrudas-the-halloween-record-lpcd
https://open.spotify.com/album/4awebTZCNJflE9B8OnHuUg
https://www.facebook.com/thebacarrudas/
https://www.instagram.com/the_bacarrudas/

The Jive - Extended Play

When it comes to my favorite new bands I've discovered in 2025, The Jive is #1 with a bullet. And it's not just because they're from PA. The Delco-based duo released its debut EP on the streaming platforms earlier this year. Today, Extended Play gets a compact disc release on the mighty Rum Bar Records, and people ought to be dancing in the streets. 

The first time I heard this mini-album in full, I had to retrieve my jaw from the floor. So what is it that I like so much about these guys? I think it's that they embody what power pop as a style of music ought to be. Co-songwriters and singers Robbie Dixon and Joey Edwards aren't afraid to write massive, arena-sized pop hits. They don't take themselves too seriously, but they are quite serious about crafting earworm choruses and melodies that'll have you humming all week. When almost every other power pop band out there wants to be The Nerves or Big Star, these two sound like the sons of Rick Springfield. This record gives major early '80s rock radio vibes, yet at the same time it possesses an undeniable contemporary freshness. If you love early '80s power pop but are also glad to live in a world where Kurt Baker and Biters exist, this EP is for you. 

"Good Time Call," the first advance single, wowed me in a big way. But then I had to wonder: was this a great band or just a band with one great song? Extended Play answers that question emphatically. "Sherry Shakes," "Shoulda Known Better," and "The Song You Can't Forget" all could have just as easily been "the hit." And then on "Heart of Gold," the band goes full-on .38 Special with a chorus that explodes out of your speakers and enough guitar power to light up a small nation! The band's lyrics don't aim to be rocket science, but they're relatable and clever in a way that's highly enjoyable. You might learn a new pickup line or two from listening to this EP, so don't dismiss the educational potential of power pop. "Good Time Call" is one of my favorite things: a song that tells a story! Who can deny that "I found your number on the elevator wall/of the Taj Mahal" is a million dollar line? Spending the last minute of the song repeating the lyric "I found your number" over and over sounds like a corny idea on paper. But on record, it's pure gold. "Sherry Shakes" is a master class on how to build an entire song around a simple (but utterly perfect) guitar hook. And how can I not love a band that uses the lyric "cherry cake" in a song called "Sherry Shakes"? "Shoulda Known Better" is a timeless ode to lost love. You feel the sting in the lyrics, but the music is positively intoxicating. Another tune that tells a story, "The Song You Can't Forget," practically packs an entire rom-com into three minutes and 17 seconds. When these guys sing, "I'm the one who got that melody stuck in your head/I'm the one who gets you dancing around," they might as well be talking to you. That whole chorus needs to be on a t-shirt! 

There's a part in the new Billy Joel documentary where he refers to the songs he wrote for Glass Houses as "power pop" in the sense that they were intended to sound awesome in the large venues he was playing. I imagined all the power pop purists and gatekeepers becoming infuriated as he spoke those words. But if you think of "power pop" purely as a way to describe music, it kind of does describe Glass Houses (which might explain why it's an all-time top ten album for me). The Jive appeals to me because it's a power pop band in both the traditional sense and in that broader sense. Somehow Robbie Dixon and Joey Edwards have managed to make an EP that reminds me of sitting by the pool at ten years old and hearing The Cars and Cheap Trick playing on the radio without having it come off as consciously retro. There's something eternal and magical about a perfect three-minute pop song, and these guys get that. Major credit also goes to producer Dan Dixon and session drummer Takashi Takemura for their incredible work on this release. The obvious reaction to hearing an EP this good is to ask, "But can they do it for a full album?" Well, if you bet against The Jive, you shoulda known better. This is the best new power pop band I've heard in a damn long time.

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/extended-play

https://open.spotify.com/album/06uT898rFYUqaHp8NrQXJU

https://www.facebook.com/thejivepowerpop

https://www.tiktok.com/@thejivepowerpop

https://www.instagram.com/thejivepowerpop/

https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords
https://www.instagram.com/rumbarrecords/

Dark Thoughts - 2025 Summer Promo

Dark Thoughts, who had not released music in this decade, have treated us to a little taster of their forthcoming album. A lot of people would rank Dark Thoughts as the best Ramones-inspired band out there, and I think the key word there is inspired. These guys know how to take a basic musical formula and pump it full of guts and vitality. The band's 2025 Summer Promo release features three new tracks plus a Ramones cover from lockdown times. I don't think anyone is going to disappointed in the slightest. These new tunes come on hard and fast and kick all kinds of ass. The album will be titled Highway to the End, and I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot about it in the coming months!

-L.R.

https://dark-thoughts.bandcamp.com/album/2025-summer-promo
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7f5aAh94T4mdR5T8GxfTOE

Civil Rats - Get Outta Here!

After releasing absolutely dandy EPs in 2023 and 2024, Philadelphia's Civil Rats now treat us to the totally freaking killer debut full-length they were always bound to make. On Get Outta Here!, Molly, Dale, and Isaac blast through 10 tracks of catchy and super-fun garage punk-pop in just under 16 minutes. The album is a masterpiece of simplicity and efficiency. The band delivers one irresistible earworm banger after another. Every time you think you've encountered "the hit," the next song turns out to be every bit as good. In terms of charm and likability, Civil Rats are impossible to beat. These are people you'd totally want to hang out with, and they get that life is far too serious to take seriously. I've heard few bands that make better use of the multiple vocalists approach. If you like personality, spunk, and humor, these three exude all of that and then some. As a group, these Rats bring an energy that could not be any more up my alley. They want to have fun, and they want you to have fun listening to their music. They write dumb songs which are remarkably smart and an absolute joy to sing-along with. Who can't relate to tunes about not wanting to leave the house, enduring bummer summers, engaging in awkward conversations, coming up with excuses for canceling plans, obsessing over unanswered text messages, and going to pool parties that turn out not to be pool parties at all? And certainly M.O.T.O.'s "We Are The Rats" was the perfect cover choice and the perfect choice to close this album. 100 copies on cassette tape are available for those of you who prefer a physical product. And the digital album is streaming in all the usual places. This one is a lock for my year-end top ten list!

-L.R.

https://thecivilrats.bandcamp.com/album/get-outta-here
https://open.spotify.com/album/3CSFynq1f9fCG4INnjManO
https://www.instagram.com/civil_rats/
https://www.facebook.com/civilratsphl/

Total Whine - self titled

When Civil Rats reached out to me about their new tape label, Dummest Records, I knew that anything they put out would likely be up my alley. Their last release, in fact, was Log Flume's Splash Hit!, one of my favorite albums of 2024. Next up from Dummest Records is the latest album from Philadelphia's Total Whine. Now Total Whine is a hard band to research online. No matter how many times I tell Google that yes, I meant Total Whine, not Total Wine, I still get stuff about wine. Luckily the music speaks for itself. Miss Mess, Ian Rubbish, and Eskimo play straight-up punk rock that's raw, catchy, and super fun. They put out their first demo back in 2018 and have amassed an impressive array of releases over the ensuing years. There is a shared spirit with Civil Rats in the respect that both bands' songs are chock full of attitude, humor, and relatable real-life observations. 

There's something about Total Whine that reminds me of the thrill of discovering punk rock back in the '90s — especially from DIY demo tapes. Total Whine is obviously not a demo, but it has that feel of a band recording itself in the rawest, most stripped-down way as possible. I feel like if you saw Total Whine live, it would sound very much like this album. Miss Mess has tremendous charisma and spirit on lead vocals, and all these songs will have you tapping your toes and shouting along. Songs like "1234," "Corpo (Are You Talking to Me?)," and "My Room" (which is my new personal anthem) will get your heart racing if bratty yet tuneful punk is your thing. There are also tracks like "Taking It Home" and "Anywhere" that show a softer, more garage pop side of the band. All in all, this is a fantastic set of tunes. It's my first favorite punk rock album of 2025. Keep an eye on the Dummest Records Bandcamp page for information about a cassette release!

-L.R.

https://totalwhine.bandcamp.com/album/total-whine
https://open.spotify.com/album/1kxmuAL4VRc44MuqDwdlBX
https://dummestrecords.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/totalwhinephilly/
https://www.instagram.com/dummestrecords/

The Bacarrudas - "Wanamaker's Christmas"

The Bacarrudas, who released the delightful Pool Party earlier this year, are the winners of this year's "Which Christmas release will I review first?" sweepstakes. New single "Wanamaker's Christmas" finds lead singer Adam Rabuck reminiscing about a favorite childhood memory — partaking in the annual Christmas festivities at the John Wanamaker's department store in Philadelphia. When it comes to reviewing Christmas music, I tend to be selective. I usually ask myself two things: A) Would I enjoy this music even if it were not Christmas-themed? and B) Does this add something of value to the vast ocean of existing Christmas music? In the case of The Bacarrudas' "Wanamaker's Christmas," that's a double yes! 

As far as I know, there has never been a song about the Wanamaker's Christmas tradition in Philadelphia. And if there has been one, it certainly wasn't recorded by a frat rock band. "Wanamaker's Christmas" is everything I hoped it would be: joyful, triumphant, nostalgic, and a whole lot of fun. Adam does a great job of painting a picture here. Just listening to the song's lyrics, you can visualize how thrilling it would have been for a kid to experience Christmas at Wanamaker's every year. If you have personal memories of Wanamaker's Christmases, this song will give you all the feels. And even if you haven't, you will likely be reminded of similar memories from your own childhood Christmases. This song instantly joins my list of Christmas songs I have to hear every year. It's a new standard! On the virtual flipside, "Christmas with the Cat" belongs to that time-honored tradition of sad Christmas songs. I suppose this is Adam's own version of "Blue Christmas." This song will totally tear your heart out. But if you have to hear a song about being alone and lonely at Christmas, doesn't the involvement of cats make the pill much less bitter to swallow? Cats make everything better. In the spirit of the season, The Bacarrudas have made "Wanamaker's Christmas" a free download from Bandcamp. Check it out, and be sure to give Pool Party a listen while you're hanging out on The Bacarrudas' Bandcamp page. Have a Schuylkill duylkill Christmas!

-L.R.

https://thebacarrudas.bandcamp.com/album/wanamakers-christmas
https://open.spotify.com/album/1KACgUA6vCR07bF1UAJ1DX
https://www.instagram.com/the_bacarrudas/
https://www.facebook.com/thebacarrudas/

Log Flume - Splash Hit!

One of my favorite things about doing a music blog is getting totally blown away by new bands. And Log Flume has absolutely blown me away. That's a really cool band name, too. I'm not a rollercoaster guy at all, but I'm all about log flumes! Log Flume hails from Chester County, Pennsylvania (just two counties over from where I sit at this very moment) and has become part of a thriving Philadelphia power pop scene alongside the likes of 2nd Grade, The Blackburns, and The Tisburys. The first thing I thought when I heard Log Flume's debut album Splash Hit! was, "I bet Don Valentine will love this!" And sure enough, the album got a rave review from I Don't Hear a Single. My favorite quote from that review is "This may be the Power Pop album of the year," and I can't say I disagree. 

Stylistically, Log Flume lives at the intersection of power pop and '90s indie/alternative rock with some punk spirit and '80s synths thrown in for good measure. They put all those influences together in a way that's highly original and simply delightful to the ears. As songwriters, they are remarkably efficient. The longest track on Splash Hit! clocks in at 2:49, and half the songs don't even reach the two-minute mark. Yet none of these tunes come off as underdeveloped or incomplete. They just don't waste a lot of time getting to the catchy parts! You can go all the way down the line with this album and hit a great song wherever you land. Of course the melodies, hooks, and harmonies are irresistible, but I also love the band's spirit. These are playful, charming pop songs that are super creative yet timeless in their appeal. I'm picking up on some influences here and there (Weezer, Teenage Fanclub), but all in all, Log Flume sounds like a band that has found its own identity. That's quite impressive for a band that had only been together for one year at the time of this album's recording. I love that we have this whole new generation of bands that identify as power pop yet aren't afraid to embrace different and more modern influences. If you want to hear some great power pop that doesn't sound like every other power pop band in the world, give Log Flume a listen. Splash Hit! is a wonderful debut and a lock to make my year-end album of the year list. 

-L.R.

https://logflume.bandcamp.com/album/splash-hit
https://open.spotify.com/album/1UvsXz5RaigTCrEjewWme6
https://www.instagram.com/logflumeband/

Civil Rats - Don't Get It.

Civil Rats, authors of my seventh-highest rated EP of 2023, have topped themselves in a big way on Don't Get It., their sophomore EP. I don't often describe a collection of songs as "perfect," but that's the word that's coming to my mind as a I reflect on Don't Get It. This Philadelphia-based trio takes a very simple approach to music, playing energetic garage punk that's catchy and fun. Yet it's the execution of that approach —  which I would indeed describe as perfect — that really sets this band apart. Remember the way you felt when you first discovered punk rock and were like, "Wow, this is the most awesome music ever!"? That's the sort of energy I get from Civil Rats. This band doesn't take itself too seriously, but it seriously rocks. And although the band's sense of humor really shines through on these six tracks, the songs' lyrics tackle relatable, real-life topics. Who among us can't relate to a song about watching a movie or reading a book and having it totally go over your head? "H​-​E Double Hockey Sticks," which describes the urgent need to extricate yourself from an extremely toxic situation, is immensely profound (without going over my head — ha!). Elsewhere, the band sings of the joys of basement shows, ruminates on how responsible adulthood can foil a person's hard-partying ways, and asks perhaps the most universal of all human questions: How much did we drink last night? If aliens came to my house and threatened to disembowel me if I didn't explain to them why I love punk rock, I would play them this EP. They would dance & sing along, and no Earthlings would be harmed. Don't Get It. will be available soon on cassette tape, so be sure to follow Civil Rats on the socials or pre-order a copy on Bandcamp if you'd like to get in on the action! 

-L.R.

https://thecivilrats.bandcamp.com/album/dont-get-it
https://open.spotify.com/album/4L9IiSi5Pr9gWyAfdAqljI
https://www.instagram.com/civil_rats/
https://www.facebook.com/civilratsphl

Civil Rats - Your Dummest Friends

Do you know your Civil Rats? This new-ish trio out of Philadelphia finds Dale and Isaac (formerly of the excellent Canine 10) joining forces with Molly (formerly of The Up! Up! Ups!) to play super fun, catchy-as-hell garage punk. When Dale described Civil Rats to me as "a bit more garage and a bit more stupid" than Canine 10, I knew I would love this band. I wasn't wrong. On their debut EP Your Dummest Friends, Civil Rats blast out five tracks of rocking, high-spirited punk that ought to have you tapping your toes and shouting "Fuck yeah!" If you couldn't already tell from the band name, EP title, and cover art, this is not a band that takes itself too seriously. With songs about craving snacks, not wanting to go to parties, and awkwardly contemplating how to address a person whose name you've forgotten, this EP speaks to me at a very personal level. Even when Civil Rats have something serious to say about the world, they present it in a relatable way. "Too Much Information" is truly a song for our times. "Let's Take a Quantum Leap" is about the yearning to go back in time and make the present less sucky. What a delightful debut from Civil Rats! If you're into the more tuneful side of garage punk, this is 100% a band you need to hear!

-L.R.

https://thecivilrats.bandcamp.com/album/your-dummest-friends
https://www.instagram.com/civil_rats/
https://www.facebook.com/civilratsphl

Creem Circus - "Those Shoes"

I'm not one to judge a band by its name, but I had very hopes when I received an email from Philadelphia's Creem Circus. The only possible downside about naming your band after the two coolest rock magazines of the '70s is that you have a lot to live up to. But that's no issue for Creem Circus, who have just released the best 1974 hit single of this summer. I always love a band that owns its influences, and Creem Circus wears its love for Slade, Mud, T. Rex, and Ziggy-era David Bowie on its glittery sleeve. How could I not be into a band that's all about "tandem lead, sparkle-faced riffs," "chocolate covered choruses," and "glamtastic outfits"? The band has just released a video for its song "Those Shoes" which visually resembles an old Hanna-Barbera cartoon and musically recalls the foot-stomping '70s glam updates on '50s rock and roll. With its thunderous drums, hard candy hooks, and righteous guitar solo, this song is quintessential glam. But it doesn't stop there. Clearly Creem Circus endeavors to recreate the entire glam rock experience right down to the showmanship and over-the-top fashion. That might be off-putting if these guys took themselves too seriously, but instead they fully embrace the utter silliness of what they do. In these dark times, I love the idea of a band that wants to put on a fun show so you can forget your troubles for an hour or two. Just as importantly, Creem Circus understands that there is no show if the tunes aren't killer. If you find "Those Shoes" up your alley, you can purchase Creem Circus's most recent album The Glitterest Sladest, Rockinest Ladiest, Overtime-Paidest, Boogiest Band in Town from the illustrious Creep Records!

-L.R.

https://creep-records-store.shoplightspeed.com/creem-circus-the-glitterest-sladest-rockinest-laid.html
https://www.facebook.com/creemcircusband/
https://www.creemcircus.com/
https://www.instagram.com/creemcircus/

canine 10 - "Real Fake Love"

Released just in time for Valentine's Day, canine 10's "Real Fake Love" is the ultimate cynical love song. On this wonderfully bitter digital single, the Philadelphia foursome sounds more than ever like a geekier, Americanized Buzzcocks. The title track is classic canine 10 --- blending jaded lyrics about the inevitability of romantic dysfunction with hummable melodies, a cool guitar riff, and a chorus that's bound to be stuck in your head for days. It's actually the second track on the digital release. But if this were a 45, "Real Fake Love" would almost certainly be the A-side. I'm aware that we are well past Valentine's Day at this point. But if you're lonely and miserable, it's never too late to take comfort in knowing that many coupled individuals are equally miserable. If there was any question about canine 10 being modern masters of the anti love song, this track ought to seal the deal! The peppier, punkier "I Know You Know" is a treat in its own right. I hereby declare canine 10 the most underrated pop group on the scene today -- and I myself have been guilty of much of that underrating. My failure to list the band's album Nonsense! in my top 30 albums of 2020 has kept me awake at night and might even be a criminal offense here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Real Fake Love" is definitely the top single of 2021 so far! 

-L.R.

https://canine10.bandcamp.com/album/real-fake-love
https://www.facebook.com/canine10/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCztCRk8fDNCxtYnJXzH_y1g
https://www.instagram.com/canine10/

Brick Nova - self-titled

Brick Nova, a foursome from the Philadelphia area, has just released its third album. This self-titled long player is a fine example of music that doesn't really fit into any category beyond the broad umbrella of "alternative" rock. I can hear the influence of everything from power pop to '90s college radio to classic rock to "post-grunge" to 1970s AM radio pop. I guess you could call these guys "indie rock", but what the heck does that even mean? I'm reminded of people I knew in college who would talk of their "eclectic" tastes in music while I rolled my eyes in suspicion. But for real, Brick Nova totally pulls off eclectic! On this album alone, there are songs that bring to mind Teenage Fanclub, Weezer, Big Star, The Strokes, Alice In Chains, and Jack Johnson. And it works! At the end of the day, what matters is that the music's good! Opener "Good Luck" is laid-back guitar pop shooting off a warm breeze of melody. If "(Perpetually) Tired" were any catchier, Governor Wolf would shut it down in a heartbeat. "Hey, My Friend" sounds like '90s indie rock and '70s soft rock had a baby. "Dreaming" is a sweet & timeless pop gem. "City Girl" somehow combines hipster cool with genuineness and charm. "Hold" is a well-executed and exceptionally pretty ballad. 

Brick Nova is the kind of band that exemplifies the spirit of independent music. These guys like all kinds of different music and bring it all together without any creative limitations or need to define themselves in terms of genre. What is coherent across these 14 tracks are an undeniable flair for melody and a totally unaffected quirkiness. This is an album that's pleasant to listen to but also really interesting. It's got much of the spirit of the indie/alternative music I came of age to, yet it also feels young and cool in the context of 2020. I like that these songs challenged me. I didn't know what to make of them on first listen. But as I went back to them, I found myself wanting to hear them over and over again. And isn't that what good music is all about? Good stuff from my corner of the globe! 

 

-L.R.

https://bricknova.bandcamp.com/album/brick-nova

https://www.facebook.com/bricknovaband

https://www.bricknovaband.com/

Foxycontin - This Time You're On Your Own

Now here's a debut LP that can truly be called "long-awaited"! Philadelphia's Foxycontin formed in 2003. Out now on Sister Raygun Records, This Time You're On Your Own is Foxycontin's first album after nearly 18 years as a band! This foursome features some big names from the Philly underground rock scene. Richard Kaufmann (The Electric Love Muffin, Rolling Hayseeds) is on vocals and guitar. Michael Barndt (Krhissy) is on drums. Over the years, Kauffman has been associated with musical styles as differing as pop-punk and country rock. Foxycontin definitely leans more towards the former - blending the influence of Stiff Records pub rock/power pop with the pop-leaning side of '70s punk and a little garage rock. This merging of styles really works well. If you like pop and you like punk but have had your fill of "pop-punk", this album might be exactly what you're craving. 

On record, Foxycontin sounds like the seasoned live band that it obviously is. Its songs are well-crafted, tightly-executed, and bound to stick in your head. Coming on strong with the soulful title track and the Stiff Little Fingers inspired "The Whole World Knows I'll Never Get Over It Now", This Time You're On Your Own will grab you from the get-go and keep you hooked to the end. You would certainly expect a veteran band like this to show a good range of material. And in that respect, songs like "Starting To Show" and album closer "Shiver" are master displays of how to rock with maturity and sophistication. Yet at the same time, this band is not reluctant to lean on the simplicity and pure energy that will forever be the lifeblood of rock and roll. "Alive In Interesting Times" is melodic punk at its most urgent and satisfying, while "But You'll Never Listen" summons the spirit of a young Elvis Costello and The Attractions. "Fine...Fine!" is straight-up garage rock that really hits the mark. On its several cover selections, this album pays homage to significant influences (Nick Lowe, The Sweet) while also bringing attention to some lesser-known but truly great songs. The band's version of the Chris Farlowe B-side "Headlines" is one of the album's highlights. "Junk Passion", another standout track, was written and originally recorded by the very talented (and fellow Philadelphian) songwriter Brian Seymour. While it might be a little unusual for a full third of a band's debut album to be covers, I think it was a smart choice for Foxycontin. It gives the album the feel of a live set, and it really shows off the band's chops (you don't dare cover "Headlines" if your drummer isn't an absolute beast!). 

This Time You're On Your Own was recorded, produced, and mixed by Pete Rydberg at his south Philly studio 1935. Rydberg put his usual magic touch on this album, but he sure had a lot to work with! The material is strong, and the musicianship is lights out! You would expect a lot from a debut album that was essentially a decade and a half in the making. This Time You're On Your Own delivers in full. If you're into great American indie rock and roll bands like The Figgs and The Safes, Foxycontin is highly recommended!



-L.R.

https://foxycontin.bandcamp.com/album/this-time-you-re-on-your-own
https://www.facebook.com/FoxycontinPhiladelphia/
https://www.instagram.com/foxycontinphiladelphia/
https://sisterraygunrecords.bandcamp.com/
https://www.sisterraygunrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sisterraygunrecords/
https://www.instagram.com/sisterraygunrecords/

Canine 10 - Nonsense!

There have been a few silver linings to this shit we're going through right now. One of them is that I actually have time to sit down and listen to music purely for the joy of it. Back in January, Philadelphia-based Canine 10 sent me some tracks from their new album that was to be arriving in April. I dug what I heard, but then I got bogged down in real life stuff and forgot about the album for months. Fast forward to today. Nonsense!, the latest LP from Canine 10, is out on FDH Records and Suicide Bong Tapes. I sat down the other day to give it a listen. And OH MY GOD! I love, love, love, love, love this record!

I'm often disappointed in myself for not writing about more bands that are somewhat "local" to me. Well Canine 10 are just two area codes over, so that's local enough! I can see why this band might be an acquired taste for some. There's a quirkiness to the group's sound that you'll likely find either totally annoying or completely charming. Put me in the latter category. I would probably describe this band as a nerdier version of the Buzzcocks. And I mean that as a supreme compliment. Canine 10 somehow fit perfectly into the punk/power pop camp while still sounding like a fully unique band in this universe. Nonsense! is full of gut-wrenching tales of heartbreak, longing, rejection, and miserably failed relationships. You know I eat that sort of stuff up! But there's something about the way these songs are delivered that is especially appealing. This band approaches the bitter love song with great smarts and an endearing humor. And heck, if we can't find humor in our greatest disappointments, what can we find humor in? From start to finish, these songs are honest, relatable, and just really damn funny. And it certainly doesn't hurt that these guys know how to craft first-rate punchy pop songs with strong melodies and memorable choruses. The record sounds great too: with crisp, warm guitars and bass lines that really pop. Thank you, Canine 10. You've put a huge smile on my face. Cheers from the 717!



-L.R.

https://canine10.bandcamp.com/album/nonsense
https://www.facebook.com/canine10/
https://fdhrecords.bandcamp.com/album/nonsense
https://suicidebongtapes.bandcamp.com/album/nonsense

Dark Thoughts - Must Be Nice

Dark Thoughts' Must Be Nice is either the last great punk rock album of the 2010s or the first great punk rock album of the 2020s. Take your pick! This is the Philly trio's third album since 2016, and it feels like they've just capped a holy trinity of modern-day punk rock. I think it's almost unfair to categorize this band as "Ramonescore". Instead I'd just say they're a great punk rock band who happen to be inspired by the Ramones (and what great punk band isn't?). Dark Thoughts haven't really altered their approach since their first album. Only two tracks on Must Be Nice exceed two minutes. And as always, the band's m.o. is to keep it simple & catchy and write deceptively good tunes. The songs leave you wanting more, and then the album ultimately does the same. Dark Thoughts could write the manual on how to worship at the altar of the Ramones without trying to be the Ramones. The closing title track hints at some room for growth/expansion of the band's core sound, so don't be surprised if Dark Thoughts top themselves again in a year or so. Must Be Nice officially releases January 17th on Drunken Sailor and Stupid Bag Records!



-L.R.

https://drunkensailorrecords.bandcamp.com/album/must-be-nice-lp 
https://dark-thoughts.bandcamp.com/ 
http://www.drunkensailorrecords.co.uk/categories/drunken-sailor-records 
https://stupidbagrecords.storenvy.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/DrunkenSailorRecords/