Black Light Medusa-The Demos

 

Being a fan of  Jenny & The Felines, I was excited to hear that Jenny Cat’s new band, Black Light Medusa had recently released a 3 track album. Simply called The Demos, this New Jersey all female band’s first release did not disappoint.

The songs are well written, with wonderful melodies woven through an insanely cool pop vibe with punk undertones. It is simplicity perfected, with subtle nuances of sweet guitar riffs and solos, and dynamite vocal tracks while the rhythm section pushes the album along. There is a wonderful intro on ‘Don’t Want To Be Your Baby’ that leads into a bass line that drives the track through its pop-punk vibe, while ‘Brenda’ offers a pure pop feel that surrounds a simple, yet unforgettable guitar riff. Our favorite track, ‘Can’t Shake It’ delivers a great guitar solo, and an unforgettable hook.

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Jenny Cat (Jenny & The Felines), along with drummer Kat Daville (Tightlipped, The Bloody Muffs), and bassist Cathy Berg (Devil’s Bubble Gum, The Infamous Lost Cause) deliver a powerful trip into insanely good melodies that layer 1960s pop sentiments atop a punk backdrop, creating infectious and habit forming songs. It is wonderfully done. I only wish that there were several more tracks to listen to. You need to get yourself a copy or two, but to do that you need to attend a live show. Check out the band’s facebook page for information on where the band is playing and where else the album will be available for sale.

 

The Counteracts-‘The Curse Of The Counteracts’

 

The Counteracts, the Kent, England duo of Simon Biscoe & Doug Smith, recently released ‘The Curse of The Counteracts‘. With 14 tracks of quirky, pop songs that deal with themes of love and love lost, the album is an incredibly fun listen. Coupled with solid melodies and cool changes, the album serves up a musically minimalist approach that is still able to deliver a surprisingly full and complete sound. The arrangements are wonderfully clever, adding the sound of strings and horns to a 1960s folk/pop vibe. There are elements of various musical styles, from the Calypso feel of  “If You Only Knew” to the singing cowboy theme running through “Here In My Arms“. I heard hand clapping, bells, trombone, some way cool organ, and great percussion. There are obvious Beatle references, evidenced by the ending of “I’ve Got A Crush On You”, the chord that lasts forever on “You Never Listen“, and the Let It Be piano intro of “And I Lost It All“.  The Counteracts have delivered their music their way, and the result is an insanely amount of fun. Favorite tracks: “The Post Bus“, with its circus/calliope feel; “And I Lost It All“, with the Let It Be piano intro, wonderful string sound, and the melodic, harmonized whistling; and “When You Were Mine“, which offers a carnival vibe, great percussion, and a trombone. A great album to take on any road trip. You can check it out and order yourself a copy on Bandcamp.

https://thecounteracts.bandcamp.com/album/the-curse-of-the-counteracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE WHIFFS-Take A Whiff

I recently had the opportunity to listen to ‘Take A Whiff‘,  the new release from Kansas City, MO.’s, The Whiffs. The power-pop/rock band showcases their knack for writing wonderful ‘pop’ songs, filled with memorable melodies and nice harmonies, nestled in 2-3 minutes of pop heaven. There are cool guitar riffs and solos, catchy hooks, and nice changes. At times, the album feels like a throwback to an era of fast cars and jukeboxes, yet the sound  is timeless. This is simple, well written music, with a raw edge. And we like it.  A fun time; a 60’s dance party that you’ll want to invite all of your friends to. Definitely worth  getting up to take a whiff. Favorite tracks: “Backseat“, “Out Of Mind“, “I Need You Here“.

Check it out for yourself here, and get yourself a copy.

I SEE ANGELS-Nausea

 

I’m not sure how I missed the August 2016 release of this 3 track ep from Manchester, UK based I See Angels. The songs are brilliantly melodic, playing in my head long after listening, with cool hooks, and seamless changes. There is a wonderful 1980’s art rock vibe going on, reminiscent of The Psychedelic Furs. This pop-emo rock band, delivers way cool guitar, dynamite keyboards, clever arrangements, and perfectly ethereal vocal tracks. An insanely great listen, that will have you floating along the waves of melodious dreams. Favorite track: ‘Nausea‘. You can stream and purchase at a ‘name your price’ option here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Cool Whips-‘baddies’

 

Its been about a week since i received a copy of The Cool Whips new album ‘baddies‘. I have been listening to it non stop. Everywhere I have been, I have been listening to this Portland, Oregon band’s follow up to their 2014 release,  ‘goodies‘. I have played it for family, friends, ex band mates, and music loving neighbors, because its that good! 12 1960’s  pop songs that excite and entertain. The album flows with unforgettable melodies, sweet harmonies, and seamless changes. The songs deliver wonderful riffs, and the prominent use of organ is brilliant. I hear shades of The Hollies, The Zombies, and The Beatles, and there are 2 tracks that could be in the dance scenes of any Frankie & Annette movie. The lyrics are clever, with gems like “hasn’t had much cool since he cut off his shag” just one of the reasons  ‘My Old Man Is A Drag‘, and the arrangements are complex in their simplicity. A wonderfully stylish album that delivers an exceptionally good time. Favorite tracks: ‘Inside Outsider‘, ‘Liberace’s Lamp‘, and ‘There Must Have Been Sugar On It‘. You should check out ‘baddies‘  and if you haven’t, its probably time to check out ‘goodies‘ as well.

 

 

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Jenny & The Felines-‘Don’t Judge Me’

 

As a follow up to their 2013 album ‘Don’t Look Back‘, New Jersey’s Jenny & The Felines released the 9 track ‘Don’t Judge Me’ in March, 2017. 4 years in the making, and well worth the wait. Backed by a new clowder of cats, the disc is filled with catchy pop melodies, and is significantly more guitar focused. The songs are wonderfully written, encompassing influences from early 1960’s rock, country-blues, power pop, and rockabilly. There are memorable hooks, sweet harmonies, great changes, and way cool riffs.  The lyrics are brilliantly written, with no subject off limits, and I heard some incredible, yet subtle effects. Dynamite cat-pop! Get yourself invited to this feline fiesta, and pick up a copy. Favorite tracks: ‘Mrs. Pratt‘; ‘Jail Bird Johnny‘.

Check it out here:

 

The Counteracts-Counter Punch

 

The April, 2017 release of the The Counteracts new ep, Counter Punch, delivers much of the same quirky, UK pop on previous releases, but this time it has been blended with an uncanny easy listening vibe. The boys from Kent, give us well written songs, designed to take you back to a simpler time. There are wonderful harmonies, layered over simple, yet elegant melodies, with some unique changes and transitions. There are sweet string sounds running through ‘And I Lost It All‘, while ‘If You Only Knew‘ is filed with exciting Caribbean percussive instruments, and some organ. The band continues to amuse, and entertain with a sound that is both soothing & uplifting. Something you should check out.

https://thecounteracts.bandcamp.com/album/counter-punch

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE COUNTERFACTUALS

What do you get when 4 College Professors from Northfield, Minnesota decide to start a band? You get The Counterfactuals, whose recent, 9 track, self titled release is cause for celebration!

The album is filled with cool riffs, and wonderful vocal tracks. There is saxophone, clarinet, piano, organ, synthesizer, and some very aggressive drums and bass. The effects are exquisitely subtle, and I dig the delay. The songs are wonderful, offering memorable melodies, nice changes, and way cool arrangements, as they speak of being human, delving into issues of ageing, love, and regret. The sound is full, and has the wonderful ‘live off the floor’ feel. Favorite tracks: “Fading From Bright“; “Might As Well Join In“; “Every Turn You Take Is Right”

The Counterfactuals have the knack of defying genre. There is so much going on in here, every listen reveals something new and wonderful.  You should listen often, and listen loud. It’s a party for your ears, and a party for your spirit. Call it Alternative, or perhaps Experiential Rock. You can stream the entire album on the band’s Bandcamp page, and then go buy a few copies. It’s that good!! Join the celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE UNSWEPT-The Unswept Today

Although it was released over 1 year ago, this album by The Unswept, deserves some recognition. So, the story goes, the 3 O’Brien cousins from Sheffield, England, were playing in local bands together. Following a hurriedly hushed up pre- international incident, they headed to Chicago and well, the rest is history. The album, The Unswept Today, released in April, 2015, contains 11 tracks of power-pop dynamite, filled with great melodies, choruses, and unforgettable hooks. The distinctive 12 string guitar is an exciting addition to the sound. There are wonderful changes, cool riffs and solos, and hand clapping. I am certain that I also heard some whistling on “Mellow Doubt“. The band has an insane feel for writing catchy pop songs with addictive melodies, and a gift for lyrics that are sung over some wonderfully simple arrangements. It has been told that the entire album was recorded on an analogue reel to reel, which only enhances the feel of the music. Favorite tracks: “Another Bubble“, which is reminiscent of early The Zombies; “Peace Of Mind“, with its Rockabilly vibe; “Get Away“; and “Surf Song (I Wish I Was A Beach Boy)“, a way cool tribute to The Beach Boys. A wonderful summer patio album. Play it loud. Play it often. Invite the whole neighborhood. A wonderful party. Check it out on their bandcamp page, and order your copy today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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