Showing posts with label Spaghetty Town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spaghetty Town. Show all posts

Saturday, April 11, 2026

The Melmacs - EUPHANCHOLIA


In what is shaping up to possibly become my favorite year for new music in decades, The Melmacs' EUPHANCHOLIA currently holds the position of my favorite album of 2026. That is hardly a surprise. I've been teasing the arrival of this LP since January, and all the advance singles were bona fide bangers. EUPHANCHOLIA, which officially released yesterday on Bakraufarfita Records and Wanda Records in Germany and the mighty Spaghetty Town Records here in the USA, more than lives up to what I promised in recent reviews. 

This is now my 12th time reviewing The Melmacs, and my enthusiasm only grows with every write-up. There's no band out there that does a better job of marrying classic punk, power pop, and new wave influences in a way that sounds genuinely fresh and current. Beyond that, there's something special about The Melmacs. In times that have grown increasingly dark and cold, they are a lightning bolt of hope and love. They bring positive energy into a world that desperately needs it. They've made a record that acknowledges the seriousness of life but will ultimately put a smile on your face and add some skip to your step. 

One trend I've noticed in the modern era of punk rock is bands getting better and better as they go along. That is certainly the case with The Melmacs. I liked the band's 2022 debut Good Advice enough to proclaim it one of my favorite albums of the 2020s. But that record was a mere warm-up for EUPHANCHOLIA, which finds The Melmacs making that big leap from very good band to truly great band. Even as the band's musical appeal has remained very much the same, the quality of its songwriting and the distinctiveness of its sound have been refined considerably. The Melmacs fully know who they are and what they want their music to be. The organ plays a larger role on this record, but the guitars don't take a back seat. Bimmi has become one the most likeable and expressive vocalists in the indie/punk universe, and Max's production on this release (with the help of Brown Barcella and Magnus Lindberg on the mixing and mastering side) is pretty much perfect. This is the kind of music I live for. It's catchy, powerful, and exciting, but it's also full of tremendous substance and comes straight from the heart. 

It's no shocker that singles like "Lazy Hearts" and "Run for Your Life" are standout cuts. They were singles for a reason. But The Melmacs left plenty of killer tunes in reserve for us to enjoy when we finally dove into the full album. "The Tide is High" has me pumped to go out and live this day to its fullest. "Falling" is another vintage Melmacs high-energy, booty-shaking, earworm sing-along. I was blown away by "These Days," a song that sounds unlike anything the band has done before. It's a very sophisticated and modern-sounding pop-rock song that could legitimately be a hit if anyone in the music industry had a clue. Likewise, "Deadbeat" shows the band's command of pure pop with a bittersweet taste. Elsewhere, "Showdown" and "Lifetime" find the album taking a full-fury punk rock turn. The ballad "Crying My Heart Out" is a classic example of why The Melmacs are so amazing. It comes on sounding like jangly '60s pop, then seamlessly fast forwards into the '80s, and all the while Bimmi alternates between anguished spoken word ranting and the purest singing she's ever done. A song like this would not have been within The Melmacs' capabilities a few years ago. "Electric Night" puts a glam-bam exclamation mark on an extraordinary album. 

On Good Advice, the Melmacs dispensed some tough love and sage guidance. With EUPHANCHOLIA, the vibe is a little different. These German sweethearts are here to lift you up. They've got your back and want to remind you that it's never too late to live your best life as long as you're still breathing. They're here to cheer you up and cheer you on. In tough and trying times, The Melmacs have brought us the album we need: a pep talk, a kick in the pants, and a giant hug all rolled into one urgent package of anthemic and infectious punk/pop/rock 'n' roll. When it comes to records that live at the intersection of punk rock and power pop, this is about as good as it gets. The Melmacs might remind you of bands you loved decades ago, but they aren't trying to sound like anyone but themselves. I might be guilty of hyperbole if I called them the best band in the world, so I'll show some proper restraint and contend that they at least need to be in the conversation.

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Friday, April 03, 2026

Brad Marino - Agent of Chaos


Well look what we have here: the long-awaited fifth studio album from the man himself, Mr. Brad Marino! Out today on Spaghetty Town Records, Ghost Highway Recordings, and Beluga Records, Agent of Chaos will disappoint absolutely no one. If you're looking for a Brad Marino album that sounds like a Brad Marino album, this will hit the mark and then some. There's really nobody better at doing this sort of driving rock 'n' roll with a punk influence and pop hooks. Marino, backed by Gene Champagne, Bobby Davis, Zack Sprague, Ron Mullens, Dave Strong, James Cap Nunn, and Caity Marino, has delivered an album that may very well be his best yet. As always, his choruses are catchy, his guitar licks are tasty, and his lyrics are sneaky clever. Agent of Chaos comes through with a little something for everyone. From the classic '60s pop of "Dissin' and Dismissin'" to the straight Ramones energy of "Sick of You" to the country vibes of "Devil May Care" to the timeless rock 'n' roll of "I Don't Want You Anymore" to the Jesus and Mary Chain inspired dark-pop of "Murder and Violence" to the straight-forward power pop of "Voodoo" to the butt-kicking fury of "Calling Your Bluff" to the pure pop majesty of "Lost Without You" and "Make This Last," Marino hits all the sweet spots. The man sure can write a song, and he can always be counted on to sing and perform it with gusto. 

Given that it has been nearly two-and-half years since Grin and Bear It came out, fans have certainly been waiting a while for a new Brad Marino LP. And Agent of Chaos has turned out to be every bit worth the wait. It's hard to find a sub-par or even less-than-stellar track in the bunch. A Brad Marino LP is always a lock to be way up there on my end-of-the-year top albums list. Even in a year that's as insanely stacked as this one promises to be, Agent of Chaos will certainly end up near the top of the heap when I publish my final rankings. As consistent as Marino has been as a recording artist, it would be easy to overlook what a great run he's been on over the last several years. But that kind of dependability ought to be appreciated and enjoyed. Flavors of the month come and go, but tried-and-true, high-quality rock 'n' roll never goes out of style. Agent of Chaos is a monster of a record, and I can name three premier record labels that are literally vouching for that!

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Saturday, March 21, 2026

The Melmacs - "Lazy Hearts"

Just when I thought I couldn't possibly love The Melmacs any more, they're back with another new single that shoots straight to my heart. Now the band's fourth single released in advance of the forthcoming album EUPHANCHOLIA, "Lazy Hearts" is perhaps its purest pop song to date. It's a total earworm. I'm not sure it's humanly possible to create a song catchier than this one — this tune is like caffeine for the soul! You could be having the worst day ever, and then this song comes on, and suddenly your possibilities are endless and your hopes are bright. The band puts so much energy into this musical performance, and Bimmi sings every note with absolute joy. 

This song resonates with me because it's an anthem of encouragement to all those people out there who feel like failures because they haven't yet accomplished the things that society expects of them. But the twist is that they're not failures since they hold on to their dreams and cling to the belief that there has to be more to life than having lots of money and status. The band has dedicated this song to the "stamped daydreamers and true believers" who ultimately make this world a better place. So cheers to all the "lazy boys, all the lazy girls" with their hearts full of gold, and cheers to The Melmacs for making music that restores my faith in humanity. I've been playing this track on repeat and getting pumped for EUPHANCHOLIA, which will be out April 10th on Bakraufarfita Records & Wanda Records in Germany, Spaghetty Town Records in the USA, and Beluga Records in Sweden. I can't wait! 

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Saturday, February 21, 2026

Brad Marino - "Calling Your Bluff"


The man is back, and he's bringing the heat! "Calling Your Bluff" is Brad Marino's third teaser single from his forthcoming fifth proper studio album, Agent of Chaos. He's been doling out something for everyone with these singles. "Voodoo" was probably the most straight-up power pop song he's ever done. "Murder and Violence" was like the Ramones meet the Jesus and Mary Chain (or maybe the other way around). And now "Calling Your Bluff" is nothing more and nothing less than hard-driving, kick-you-in-the-ass rock 'n' roll that'll get your toes tapping into next week. If you loved Marino's early solo stuff or his later songs with The Connection, this tune will be right up your alley. Bobby Davis and Gene Champagne lay down the rhythm with gusto while Marino wails away on guitar and spits fire. This is classic Brad Marino, and I am here for it! We've been waiting more than two years for another Marino solo long player, but all these recent singles have made it clear that our patience will be very much rewarded. Agent of Chaos will be out April 3rd on Spaghetty Town Records, Ghost Highway Recordings, and Beluga Records!

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Saturday, February 07, 2026

The Melmacs - "Keep On"


I often think about what it is that draws me to certain bands. Of course The Melmacs are my cup of tea (or better yet, my pint of beer) musically. But beyond that, there's something special with this band. And I just realized it: I've never known another band that puts more love into its music. And I'm not just talking about a love for playing music. I'm talking about using that music to put more love into the universe. New single "Keep On" is a perfect case in point. This song is essentially a pep talk to anyone who might be listening. Its message is simple and powerful: no matter how bad things get, you should never give up on hoping for better things. As long as you believe in yourself, it's never too late to turn things around. And what I appreciate about this song is that it's not really aimed at one person in particular. It's aimed at all of us. How can you possibly listen to this song and NOT feel inspired to be kind to yourself — and to others as well? Musically, this is one of the band's most "pop" songs yet, but it still has that punk energy and urgency to it. Bimmi's sprightly keyboard riff is totally infectious, and the whole song is as well. This is not phony feelgood nonsense — this is a genuine anthem of hope and resolution. The Melmacs are not going to tolerate you quitting on life because they know you deserve better! There are not sufficient words in the English vocabulary for me to convey how much I love this band! The full album EUPHANCHOLIA will be out April, and it's going to be an early contender for album of the year. For now, check out this new single and keep on keeping on!

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Saturday, January 31, 2026

The Stripp - Life Imitates Art


At least 51% of music-related press releases are utterly cringeworthy. But this inspired spiel from Spaghetty Town Records on the new album from The Stripp was absolutely speaking my language: "Life Imitates Art sounds like the Aussie missing link between AC/DC, Cosmic Psychos, Radio Birdman and The Onyas." Well that sold me! On its second long player, the Melbourne-based foursome steps up from the straight-forward (albeit blistering) action rock of its debut and turns loose a powerhouse rock 'n' roll record with hooks for days. A co-release with Ghost Highway Recordings (Spain) and Beluga Records (Sweden), Life Imitates Art would be absolutely massive if they still played real rock 'n' roll on the radio. 

Fundamentally, The Stripp hasn't veered much at all from its steamrolling, high-energy approach to music. If you're looking for scorching lead guitar and a killer groove, you will be not be disappointed. But while this album brings just as much rock, it delivers a lot more roll. Certainly tracks like "Gotta Go," "Gone," and "MF from Hell" will have the action rock crowd thrashing in firm approval. Yet other songs find the band building off of the fast and furious punk rock 'n' roll blueprint in very satisfying ways. "If You Want Me To" and "Turn Back Time" would not sound out of place on your Joan Jett Pandora channel. "So Long" is kick-ass garage rock of the highest caliber. "Good for Me" is a great modern-sounding rocker with a chorus that will be stuck in your head all week. Album-closer "The End" is measured and haunting and totally unlike anything this band has done before. Bek Taylor has got insane pipes and undeniable star power, and I can absolutely see this album elevating The Stripp to a whole new level of recognition. Not an ounce of energy has been sacrificed, but the more polished production and progression in songwriting really works for this band. I don't have to say "I bet these songs would sound great live" because they also sound great on record! I can't wait to hear what Ted thinks of this album!

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Friday, January 16, 2026

The Melmacs - "Run for Your Life"


There are quite a few albums releasing in 2026 that I'm super-excited about. #1 on the list is EUPHANCHOLIA, the sophomore long player from Dresden and Leipzig's mighty The Melmacs. The album will be out April 10th on Bakraufarfita Records and Wanda Records in Germany and Spaghetty Town Records in the USA. It has been nearly three years since I last had the privilege of writing about The Melmacs, so it's delight to today review "Run for Your Life," the first single from EUPHANCHOLIA. This song is vintage Melmacs. Musically it blends all the best parts of power pop, new wave, old school punk, and straight-forward rock 'n' roll. And in typical Melmacs fashion, the song manages to sound upbeat and infectious even though the lyrics are thoughtful and a little dark. This is really becoming this band's signature — crafting deeply serious songs yet having great fun doing it and exuding a contagious joy. This is a band you can always turn to when you're having a bad day or going through a rough patch. A little Melmacs does a lot for the soul! "Run for Your Life" has quickly emerged as my first favorite song of the year, and I can't for the world to hear the whole album!

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Sunday, November 09, 2025

Mala Vista - Snub Nose .38


Back with its first release since March 2024's criminally overlooked Fun Time LP, New York's Mala Vista brings the heat on the electrifying four-songer Snub Nose .38. The EP, released in Europe by Ghost Highway Recordings and here in the States by the illustrious Spaghetty Town Records, finds Myke, Manny, Erik, and Ben leaning more than ever into their love of class of 1977 punk rock. While Fun Time showed a more melodic side of Mala Vista in many spots, Snub Nose .38 is a more focused attack of fast-paced, down and dirty, punch-you-in-the-mouth street rock 'n' roll. '77-style punk has always been my thing, but you just don't hear enough bands doing it right anymore. Mala Vista pulls off the tricky task of making contemporary old school punk sound timeless rather than retro. Influence-wise, you can hear everything from Teenage Head to The Boys to The Vibrators to Eater to Slaughter and the Dogs to the Dead Boys. But again, there's often a fine line between inspiration and imitation, and Mala Vista doesn't cross it. This kind of music is part of the DNA of New York, and Mala Vista does the city proud. Snub Nose .38 is a kick-ass EP from perhaps the best '77-style punk band out there. Don't miss out!

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Saturday, May 10, 2025

Los Pepes - Out of the Void

It seems odd to say that I'm floored by a band I've been fervently touting for over a decade. But Los Pepes have done something that very few bands have ever done: deliver a sixth album that blows away anything they have ever released before. 

From the beginning, Los Pepes were a band that could not have been more up my alley. Their mission was to play power pop as powerfully as any other band on Earth, and none of their records have failed to deliver on that promise. Over time, the band has managed to stay true to that identity while also broadening its musical approach and honing its craft in terms of songwriting. So without hesitation, I can say that the band's new album Out of the Void (out on Wanda Records, Spaghetty Town, Beluga, and Ghost Highway Recordings) is its best to date. If you've never heard Los Pepes before, this is the album to start with. And if you're a longtime fan, I implore you not to sleep on this record. The album kicks off in a way that's very reminiscent of the band's debut album Los Pepes for Everyone — sounding like the Buzzcocks on amphetamines. The first third of the album mostly lives in that '77 punk-pop space, and it's thrilling to hear a band that can sound so aggressively energetic and so addictively tuneful. But in its middle and closing sections, Out of the Void really shows off the range in Los Pepes' repertoire. "Sweet Appeasement" sounds like something from the golden age of power pop. "Above and Beyond" is raucous rock 'n' roll with hooks for days. "Short Term Solutions" is pure blistering punk rock. "All I Got Is Time" is a perfect pop song. "Tomorrow and Today" is quintessential modern garage rock and a stone cold banger. 

For the past decade, Los Pepes have been one of the definitive bands living at the intersection of power pop and punk rock. Bands of that sort are not usually known for their longevity, and more often than not their first couple of albums are considered their crowning achievements. But on album number six, Los Pepes seem to be just hitting their stride. They're at this point not just an exciting band but genuinely a great one. In terms of songwriting, they've found a way to remain "on brand" while digging deeper for musical influences. They've proven that they don't always have to put the pedal to the metal — but when they still choose to do so, they're not going to be outdone by anyone. And it doesn't hurt to have the world's best power pop drummer in the driver's seat. With touchpoints ranging from first wave punk to '70s power pop to '60s pop to garage rock, Out Of The Void manages to be both a classic Los Pepes album and a completely unprecedented Los Pepes album. These guys still possess every bit of the fervor and raw power they did a decade ago, but now all that sonic fury is accompanied by songwriting and instrumental chops that have been refined and perfected beyond what anyone could have foreseen in back in the 2010s. As much as my musical tastes have evolved and continue to evolve, one listen to Out of the Void made it perfectly clear: I started this blog to review albums like this! 

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Monday, October 07, 2024

Bambies - Snotty Angels

Alright, kids! Montreal's finest slingers of ultra-energetic poppy punk rock are back at it on the appropriately titled Snotty Angels. Out on Wanda Records and Spaghetty Town Records, this is the sophomore long player from Bambies — a band I find super underrated in the punk rock world. Sami, Franki, and Feli do not mess around on this release. They blast out 15 tracks of blistering, snotty-as-heck punk rock 'n' roll with pop hooks for days. If you're looking for a fun album to get you bopping and hopping, this is it! A punk band's sophomore album can be a tricky endeavor. If you show too much growth, they'll say you lost the plot. If you show no growth, they'll say you just made the same album twice. Bambies have navigated this situation well. Snotty Angels doesn't mess with a winning formula, but nor is it a copy of 2021's Summer Soon. If anything, they've stepped it up with this release. This is a catchier, more diverse set of songs, and the energy level of the music has not dipped even a little. Any fan of old school punk-pop will be well served to pick this record up.

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Friday, September 27, 2024

The Peawees - One Ride

What really needs to be said about La Spezia, Italy's The Peawees? They are the epitome of class and quality in the punk/rock 'n' roll universe. Hervé Peroncini is one of the finest songwriters of his generation. Fast approaching 30 years as a band, The Peawees are aging like fine wine. One Ride, their seventh album, is out now on Wild Honey Records, Spaghetty Town Records, and FOLC Records. How many bands would kill to be able to make just one record this great? The Peawees manage to do it time and time again, and that's something we should never take for granted. The Peawees certainly didn't take it for granted. They started working on One Ride five years ago. And then, of course, the world changed. So did the lives of the band members and eventually the band's lineup. The album got put on hold. Touring got put on hold. Life got put on hold. But the band persevered. Six years after releasing their previous album Moving Target, The Peawees are back with a vengeance. One Ride again finds the band playing the perfect mix of punk rock, garage, soul, and old style rock 'n' roll. This is me listening to a Peawees album: "What a great song! There's no way the next one could be as good!" And then I keep saying the same thing over and over until the album is finished. One Ride is an absolutely bulletproof set of songs. There's not a sub-par track in the bunch, and the band (now with Dario Persi on guitar) sounds fantastic. These songs have energy, guts, timeless style, and hooks all day long. 

A long time ago, The Peawees released an album called This Is Rock'n'Roll. Although the group's progression from those humble beginnings has been extraordinary, that title still captures what The Peawees are all about. From all the best parts of the past 70 years of rock 'n' roll, they create something that sounds fresh and totally their own. One Ride was a long time in the making, but it has proven more than worth the wait. Hands down, it's one of the year's best albums. If you're hunting the colored vinyl, hit the links below for further details!

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Sunday, March 03, 2024

Mala Vista - Fun Time


Hot damn, could this new Mala Vista album be any more up my alley? Fun Time, the New York City band's second long player, is a stone cold ripper of '77-style punk rock 'n' roll. As far back as 2019, I knew Mala Vista had tremendous potential. But five years later, the group has fully come into its own with killer chops, first-rate production, and fucking tremendous songwriting. These guys took all that potential and transformed it into the stuff of true greatness. Lean and mean at just nine tracks, Fun Time is chock full of single-worthy cuts. I appreciate that Mala Vista has the spirit of Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers, the Dead Boys, and Ramones without trying to copy those bands. Mala Vista has its own sound, and it's the sound of some of the most inspired punk rock that exists in America or anywhere else. "Juana La Cubana" sounds like the best Clash song in 40 years. If you like your punk music with raw energy, stellar hooks, and attitude for days, Fun Time is a must-buy. This album can absolutely hang with the classic records that inspired it. Spaghetty Town Records is owning 2024 so far! 
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Sunday, February 11, 2024

Lorne Behrman - Blue Love


It's sometimes mind-blowing to me when I realize that Lorne Behrman has been releasing solo music for less than three years. Songs like "Oh Lord, Give Me Time" and "Black Cars" feel like they've been part of my life forever, and hearing Behrman's extraordinary new album Blue Love (out now on the fabulous Spaghetty Town Records) is like catching up with a cherished, ever-dependable friend. While I've been a fan of his musical talents going back to the early days of my music-reviewing life, I count his decision to become a lead artist in his later 40s as a blessing to me and numerous others who've gained so much from his songs. On Blue Love, Behrman returns to his poetic rock style with roots in New York punk, but he builds off of it rather than rehashing it. I always knew he was a great writer — but on this release, he distinguishes himself as a truly great songwriter.  

Blue Love, like its predecessor A Little Midnight, exudes the spirit of New York City. The ghosts of Lou Reed, Jim Carroll, Tom Verlaine, Johnny Thunders, Robert Quine, and Willy DeVille inhabit these songs. Yet even with this influence so palpable, Behrman's sound and style are authentically his. What's particularly noticeable about Blue Love is how deeply melodic these songs are. Sometimes with poetic rock, the music is very minimalist or even secondary to the lyrics and vocals. That's far from the case here. These songs are well-crafted, highly tuneful, and constructed in a way that fully complements Behrman's conversational vocal style. Much credit must be given to Behrman's excellent guitar work and to the formidable talents of his supporting musicians (Matt Dougherty, Ray Mazza, Steve Mosto, Danielle McCullough, and Matt Chiaravalle [who also produces]). Yet there's just no denying the quality of these songs — which are chock full of memorable melodies and indelible hooks. 

Blue Love is loosely a concept record. Says Behrman: This album is about experiencing pain and joy at the same time—like finding new love when everything in your life feels like it's falling apart." Behrman manages to write about love in a way that's neither naïve nor cynical but rather relatable and true to life. In some cases, songs depict relationships which are damaged, turbulent, and perhaps even destined to fail. In others, songs find love turning up in otherwise unfortunate situations for otherwise unfortunate individuals. The theme of the album was at least partially inspired by the absolutely beautiful film The Panic in Needle Park (directed by Jerry Schatzberg, another artist who didn't find his true calling until he was in his 40s). In looking at love through a lens that is both deeply tender and bluntly realistic, Behrman channels the spirit of the movie and reminds us why it's so timeless. "Barbara," which tells a tale of two addicts in love, is the album's most literal homage to the film. "The Bellevue Song" finds its protagonists falling in love in a mental hospital, utilizing a mix of humor and heart that brings to mind my favorite love song ever written, the Parasites' "Crazy." "The Blue Goes On Forever" squeezes a novel's worth of co-dependent, unstable, and utterly doomed romance into just a few lines of verse. "Meet Me on the Moon" finds its ill-fated lovers grasping for one last glimmer of hope. On the album's remarkable finisher "Love in Desperate Times," Behrman opens a window to his soul with a very personal song about the love (between him and his daughter) that got him through a very difficult time in his life. What a beautiful way to tie together the themes of the album! 

Those who enjoyed A Little Midnight are sure to be fans of Blue Love as well. But this album is definitely a progression for Behrman. In terms of songwriting and production, Blue Love is a more ambitious affair that finds Behrman expanding his palette of influences. Certain songs on the album have the spirit, at least, of jazz or soul music. From the doo wop influences of "The Bellevue Song" to the KISS by way of the Dolls vibes of "Ferris Wheels" to the lounge-y smoothness of "Barbara" to the playful twang of "Blue Eyes Gone Green," there are lots of new wrinkles in the mix. Blue Love has the unique distinction of being both punk-inspired and also the perfect album for a chill Sunday morning.  And somehow this record manages to be full of warmth even as it oozes New York cool. The album bio's description of "Bob Dylan as produced by Phil Spector in 1970s CBGBs on a full moon" could not be any more on-point. Chiaravalle does a masterful job of assisting Behrman in realizing his musical vision. 

Considering the body of work Behrman has built in just a few short years, I would most definitely put him in the conversation if we're discussing my favorite present-day songwriters. And yet I wouldn't necessarily say it's a shame that he waited so long to find his calling as a singer & songwriter. All this happened at exactly the right time (and the right time in his life). We're in the midst of Lorne Behrman's moment, and what a privilege it is to receive what he's putting out there. 

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Sunday, September 17, 2023

The Uppers - Manic Melodies


The Uppers, a band I first wrote about three years ago, are back with a sophomore 7" that could not be any more up my alley. Out on Spaghetty Town Records, Boulevard Trash, and Wanda Records, the aptly-named Manic Melodies features four tracks of tuneful power pop meets '77-style punk with a swaggering rock edge. Producer Tuk Smith helps The Uppers attain a more powerful and polished sound, but otherwise little has changed from the band's debut single Get Down With... All four of these tunes are catchy and melody-forward yet still pack a serious punch. One listen to "Stimulation" will give you a jolt equivalent to three cups of coffee. "Madam Please" is sure to be stuck in your head all day and for at least half the next one. And there's no drop-off on Side B. It's certainly a bad pun to say that this band's songwriting has been "upped" for this release, but it's no lie. If the likes of Wyldlife, RMBLR, Biters, and early D Generation float your boat, you will definitely want to snag yourself a copy of Manic Melodies on Coke bottle clear vinyl!

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Friday, September 16, 2022

Lorne Behrman - A Little Midnight


A Little Midnight, the debut full-length album from Lorne Behrman, fulfills the considerable promise of last year's wonderfully surprising EP When I Hit the Floor. After decades as a premiere punk rock guitar slinger, Behrman found himself in uncharted territory as a singer, songwriter, and lead artist. Yet he stepped comfortably and confidently into this new phase of his career, producing a debut EP crafted under the influence of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, and vintage New York City punk rock. A Little Midnight has a similar poetic punk feel but broadens Behrman's musical palette. It is, as he says, the "full span" of who he is as a musician. These are the songs that were always in his heart and mind, now finally captured on record. In spots, he embraces the simplicity and efficiency of punk rock in its purest form. In other spots, he proves himself a formidable and powerful balladeer. And of course he delivers a few tunes that will bring to mind the heyday of Television, Richard Hell, and Jim Carroll. 

Listening to A Little Midnight is a "best of both worlds" type experience: you get tremendous depth and sophistication in the music, yet the songs come and go long before they wear out their welcome (total running time for ten tracks is just 21 minutes). Behrman is the kind of songwriter who's unafraid to cut himself open, and certainly the ten New York City vignettes that comprise this album were largely inspired by his own life. The songs' protagonists face setbacks, heartbreaks, disappointments, and loss. They are haunted by the past and struggle to find their way forward. Yet in the end, hope prevails and better things await. As fellow humans, we can relate to these songs because we have similar stories. I'm not sure what specific qualities a singer/songwriter has to have to make you want to root for them. But whatever they are, Lorne Behrman has got them. And while it goes without saying that the lead guitar work on these tracks is absolutely fantastic, it's a joy to hear the other aspects of Behrman's craft coming into their own. He has taken that half-spoken style of singing and fully made it his own. And in terms of writing songs with strong melodies, he has made a huge leap forward on this album. Just listen to the quintessential New York City rock and roll of "Monday Morning Rain" or the stunning ballad "You Won't Live In This Past" — this is the work of a real songwriter, not just a guitarist writing songs. 

If When I Hit the Floor had you hoping that Lorne Behrman would continue his journey as a solo artist, A Little Midnight will make you glad that he did. It brings you everything from punk rock jolts of energy (the title track and "Love Stumbles By") to soulful Stonesy rockers ("Harlem River Serenade") to Dylan-esque ballads ("Further On Down the Road") to gospelized spoken word exercises ("Well, I Can't Hold You"). Working with drummer Hector Lopez (Alejandro Escovedo/The Sweet Things) and veteran producer Matt Chiaravalle (who also plays bass and keyboards), Behrman has created his magnum opus. It's in spirit a definitive NYC punk rock album, yet it's so much more than that. It's the work of a gifted, immensely human songwriter who wears his love for New York on his sleeve. Buy it now on compact disc from Spaghetty Town Records for just five dollars plus postage!

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Thursday, August 04, 2022

Lorne Behrman - "I Hope The Sun Doesn’t Catch Us"


I've got September 13th circled on my calendar as a great day for music. On that day, Lorne Behrman will release his debut album A Little Midnight on Spaghetty Town Records. A Little Midnight makes my short list of most highly-anticipated albums of 2022. Based on its first two singles, it seems certain this album will live up to expectations and then some. As the esteemed Michael Volgare astutely puts it, every song Behrman releases just gets better and better. 

New single "I Hope The Sun Doesn’t Catch Us" is an absolute stunner featuring some of the most beautiful and flat-out remarkable guitar playing I've heard in quite some time. Musically, this song is an homage to Television -- a band that was a game-changing influence on Behrman as a young musician in the '90s. The track finds him exploring that world that Television first opened up for him: where the spirit of punk rock transcends the limitations of genre and a song is capable of taking the listener on a journey. Much like recent single "A Little Midnight," "I Hope The Sun Doesn't Catch Us" demonstrates that punk rock can be art without being pretentious. The song is as catchy as they come and gets the job done in less than two and a half minutes. Lyrically, it's a powerful reflection on the transience of love. Having pondered that very thing a thousand times, I find myself connecting to this song on a personal level. 

One of the things I admire about Behrman as a songwriter is his willingness to share so much of himself with the world. As I dig into "I Hope The Sun Doesn't Catch Us," I hear a dad cherishing every moment he gets to spend with his daughter. And I hear a man opening himself up to new possibilities no matter how much that might scare him. I love the way this song touches on fears common to all of us yet also radiates genuine optimism. That's real life! Behrman has a gift for taking all this stuff that is so deeply personal to him and making it relatable to everyone. I suppose that's what great songwriters do! Be sure to check out the amazing music video for "I Hope The Sun Doesn’t Catch Us" (beautifully directed by David J Baron). And look for A Little Midnight on compact disc and digital download next month!

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Sunday, June 19, 2022

Lorne Behrman - "A Little Midnight"


Last fall, I had the great pleasure to write about Lorne Behrman's debut solo EP When I Hit The Floor. Building on the momentum of that EP, Behrman will release his debut album A Little Midnight later this year on Spaghetty Town Records. The album will be made up of ten New York City vignettes blending street poetry with Behrman's punk rock roots. Behrman, who was played with the Dimestore Haloes, L.E.S. Stitches, The Dead Tricks, and The Sweet Things over the years, continues to shine as a guitarist while also proving himself to be a songwriter of remarkable talent. Anyone who knows him would not be surprised by his brilliant lyrics, but his emergence as a soulful poet vocalist in the Lou Reed/Bob Dylan mold has been a tremendous inspiration for all of us who aspire to be late bloomers in life. 

In advance of A Little Midnight, Behrman has released the title track as a single and music video. Compared to the heaviness of When I Hit the Floor,  "A Little Midnight" feels a little more upbeat on the surface. Clocking in at just one minute, 47 seconds, this is the most straight-forward punk song Behrman has recorded so far as a solo artist. It's short, punchy, and really fun to sing along with. But upon serious inspection, this song is anything but light. It's about being overwhelmed by problems in life and having to find the strength to pull through. Finding this track to be an ideal tone-setter for the full album, Behrman has chosen to release it a few months in advance. I love the message here: that even if you have struggle and sadness in your life, you can still have hope. The video, directed by David J Baron and featuring How Tragic singer Paige Campbell, was heavily inspired by the Replacements' classic "Bastards of Young" music video. The full album releases September 16 and promises to be something special. In the meantime, "A Little Midnight" is available from Bandcamp and all the major streaming platforms. A little midnight does you right. 

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Saturday, October 16, 2021

Lorne Behrman - When I Hit The Floor

I have been  an admirer of Lorne Behrman's musical talent for 25 years. As a member of the Dimestore Haloes, Dead Tricks, and The Sweet Things, he has made immense contributions to music I've raved about both in print and online. After thirty plus years as a premiere guitar gunslinger, Behrman has finally stepped into the spotlight as a lead singer and songwriter. His first solo EP When I Hit The Floor has just been released on the ever-reliable Spaghetty Town Records. Knowing what an excellent writer Behrman is, I had high hopes for his debut as a lead artist. But I must say that this EP exceeds all expectations. These are truly powerful songs, and I am absolutely blown away by the honesty & fearlessness of Behrman's narrative voice. 

When I Hit The Floor takes you straight into Behrman's soul. It plunges into the dark places he's gone to as well as the light that led him out. He puts it all out it in the open here: his struggles with alcoholism, surviving sexual abuse as a child, and enduring a period of time when he wasn't sure he wanted to go on living. Over the course of this EP, he confronts his pain and ultimately arrives at hope and salvation. As the one-sheet brilliantly states, on the closing track "Oh Lord, Give Me Time", "Lorne gets as close to a come-to-Jesus-moment as a Jewish NYC rock n' roller can." Musically, this EP comes off like a love letter to 1970s New York City. These songs summon the spirits of Lou Reed, Johnny Thunders, Jim Carroll, and Robert Quine (among others). It's poetry meets punk rock with a touch of that '70s Stones sensibility that is permanently embedded in Behrman's musical DNA. From the old school art-punk vibes of the title track to the intensely haunting "Sandcastles" to the anthemic "I Won't Fade Away" to the soulful Dylan-esque ballad "Oh Lord, Give Me Time", this EP shows us sides of Lorne Behrman we've never glimpsed before. Of course his guitar playing is fantastic, but he also proves to be a natural at crafting sophisticated rock and roll songs with many dimensions. While Behrman is responsible for all of the guitars and lead vocals on this release, he did enlist a formidable ensemble of supporting players including veteran producer Matt Chiaravalle, drummer Hector Lopez (Alejandro Escovedo, The Sweet Things), keyboardist Rob Clores (Jesse Malin, Black Crowes, Alejandro Escovedo), and singer Dana Athens (Jane Lee Hooker). The production and musicianship on this release are truly top notch. The care and attention to detail that Behrman put into this EP over the past two years have fully paid off. 

When I Hit The Floor is inspiring on multiple levels. It's one thing to preach about how surviving the dark times can lead you to the light. It's another thing to live it. Behrman has lived it and bravely bared his soul on record. He has accomplished one of the most noble goals of art: taking the pain of human experience and turning it into something that generates hope and makes others feel less alone. And with this stunning debut, Behrman has set a fine example for some of us who've reached a certain age and wrongfully assumed that we've squandered our creative powers. It's never really too late to be a late bloomer. Bouncing back from his rock bottom moment, Lorne Behrman has rediscovered hope and happiness and life and come into his own as a musical artist. I hope I'll be writing about him for another 25 years at least.

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Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Killer Hearts - Skintight Electric


Out on Spaghetty Town and Dragstrip Riot Records and also sponsored by the Rock N Roll Manifesto, Skintight Electric is an absolute ripper of a debut album from Bayou City, Texas based punk rock and rollers Killer Hearts. It has been a couple of years since Killer Hearts exploded onto the scene with their fantastic self-titled debut 7". And while Skintight Electric reprises a couple of tracks from that release, it finds the band going all-out to sound bigger and better than ever. At its core, this is a quintessential high energy glam-punk rock and roll record. But Killer Hearts aren't above layering on a sick amount of bells and whistles (keyboards, handclaps, backing vocals, extra percussion). And it works! Producer Don "Demon Boy" Cilurso (Texas Terri and the Stiff Ones) doesn't hold back on imbuing this album with a pronounced '70s arena rock swagger. Landing on the rock side of the New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders, and Dead Boys, Skintight Electric is an over the top affair in the best way possible. It's loud, wild, and a whole lot of fun. The marriage of sleazy '70s punk and ripping rock and roll is hardly new territory, but Killer Hearts pull off this sound as splendidly as any band has in recent years. Of course these guys have the attitude and the look down pat. More importantly, they've got serious chops and (no pun intended) killer tunes. The Rock N Roll Manifesto version of this release is extremely limited, so move fast if you're interested! 

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Saturday, August 28, 2021

Bambies - Summer Soon


Well, my friends, we’ve got ourselves another serious album of the year contender! I first heard Bambies two years ago when Reta Records released their debut single. I was instantly hooked by the band's catchy, energetic, and rocking sound. This Montreal trio has built on the promise of that first single and delivered a debut album that is a perfect combination of almost everything I like in music. Out on Wanda Records in Europe and Spaghetty Town Records in the U.S.A., Summer Soon ironically arrives just as summer is wrapping up. But worry not: when this record is playing, it's an eternal summer! On this 12-track long player, Bambies blend the furious energy of garage punk rock and roll with the melodies of power pop, the classic stylings of '70s punk, and the spirit of party rock. From start to finish, it's nothing but bangers. No tracks go beyond three minutes, and most clock in at under two-and-a-half. With these songs, there's no waiting around to get to the "good part". The trio keeps it fast and fun all the way through, and you just might wear yourself out tapping your toes and bobbing your head to these hooky, rockin' tunes! I reviewed the advance single "Dirty Taint" a few months back, and that was a nice taste of what to expect from the whole album. Rippers like "Party", "RNR With You", and the electrifying title track are very much in the same vein. I also dig the more power pop leaning "Stuck With You" and the '77-style slammer "Tear Off My Face". 

Summer Soon was recorded in Mexico City by Diego Mier and Carlos Gonzales, and it sounds absolutely amazing. Production-wise, it manages to take a big step forward from the band's earlier recordings without taking any of the edge off of Bambies' sound. It's a perfect record to crank loud whether you're hanging out with friends or just itching to dance around your room all by yourself. There are few bands that would be equally at home on the Spaghetty Town and Wanda rosters, but there's no denying that Bambies fall into that category. In spirit, I'm reminded of a lot of the great Canadian garage meets power pop bands that were tearing shit up when I started this blog a decade ago. The North is bringing the heat again!

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