Showing posts with label Red On Red. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Red On Red. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 07, 2023

Justine and The Unclean - The Signal Light


Justine and The Unclean are a band I've liked very much over the years — as five previous reviews will attest. I was surprised when I realized that new full-length The Signal Light is the band's first album release in four-and-a-half years. Since late 2020, Justine Covault has been busy running her widely-beloved label Red on Red Records and putting all sorts of amazing music into the world. But she has continued to write and record with The Unclean (Janet Egan King on bass, Charles Hansen on guitar, and Jim Janota on drums). Last week a new album finally saw the light of day on Red On Red. Not surprisingly after all this time, Justine and The Unclean have amassed some incredible material. While their last mini-album, Heartaches and Hot Problems, was a fantastic release, The Signal Light takes things to another level. Even as I approached this album with high expectations, I was totally floored when I heard it. I didn't think it was possible, but Justine and The Unclean have gotten even better over these last few years! 

What I love about The Signal Light is that it shows many sides of Justine and The Unclean. That rapid-fire punk-pop style that was the band's signature a few years back can still be heard on a couple tracks. But on this release, Justine and The Unclean are simply a great rock and roll band, period. Justine can write a great song in just about any style, and of course she's backed by a band that can pull if all off and then some. Lead track "Sweet Denial" is a hard-hitting rocker with hooks for days — definitive power pop in my book. From there, the band rides a hot streak straight to the end. New versions of recent Justine gems "Picking a Fight' and "You and Me Against You and Me" are even better than the originals. "Fourth Love" is perfect pop with a country soul. "Vengeance" kicks up some Rolling Stones–influenced magic. "Drug Seeking Behavior" is haunting, gorgeous pop in a '60s style. The title track is the ultimate homage to Boston garage rock. Closing ballad "When I Stopped Loving You" will tear your heart out if you're even half-way paying attention. Lyrics have always been a strong suit for Justine, but with these songs, she's cutting deeper than ever before. In the press release, she praises her bandmates for their ability turn her "inner turmoil bullshit into killer rock-n-roll." But let's be honest: all that inner turmoil bullshit is what makes Justine a great artist. She writes about life, loss, and love with incredible honesty and hard-earned wisdom. And of course she sings every word in such a way that you feel it all deeply. The Signal Light is full of songs about bitter breakups and doomed relationships, yet it also explores topics as varied as addiction, abuses of power, and the pandemic. In addition to being a remarkable love letter to Boston, the title track is anthem of hope and resilience. The song's lyrics are absolutely insane — honestly some of the finest poetry I've ever encountered in a rock tune. 

Everything comes together for Justine and The Unclean on The Signal Light. This is an extraordinary collection of songs brought to life by one of the most skilled and powerful rock and roll bands going and splendidly produced by the great David Minehan. There have been a whole lot of great albums released this year already, and The Signal Light is up there with the best of 'em. Grab a compact disc today from Red on Red Records! 

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Thursday, May 11, 2023

The Chelsea Curve - "How Can I (Resist You)?"


Releasing its first new music since its amazing album All the Things came out in March of last year, Boston trio The Chelsea Curve has wowed me yet again with "How Can I (Resist You)?" — its brand-new single on Red On Red Records. Could it be possible that the band that released my #1 single of 2021 and my #5 album of 2022 is actually getting better? "How Can I (Resist You)?" brings more of everything I love about The Chelsea Curve and then some. As always, this trio manages to avoid tying itself down to any one musical genre even as it hovers in the vicinity of nearly every genre I love. 

"How Can I (Resist You)?" is a quintessential punchy pop song that rocks hard and sinks its hooks into you from the get-go. Songwriter Linda Pardee characterizes it as "a song of longing and desire, of pining from afar, of an obsessive love." This is classic subject matter for a rock and roll song, but Pardee really ups the intrigue by making the object of all this desire a total mystery. We'll likely never know who (or perhaps what) this song is about, and that makes it all the more exciting! Listen to the song, read the lyrics, and draw your own interpretations. Musically, The Chelsea Curve has never sounded better. The band (Pardee on bass, Tim Gillis on guitar, Ron Belanger on drums) is a well-oiled machine as a result of relentless gigging. The guitars and drums are loud and crisp, and Pardee's lead vocal will give you chills. Together, the music and vocals intensify in the most satisfying way as the song rushes to a thrilling finish. Pardee acknowledges an '80s influence on the song's melodies, but ultimately "How Can I (Resist You)?" just sounds like The Chelsea Curve. If you loved the band's early singles and All the Things, you will not be disappointed with the direction of this new single. I can happily report that more new music is forthcoming later this year. For now, "How Can I (Resist You)?" makes me a happy fan of The Chelsea Curve. What can I say? I'm obsessed!

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Saturday, May 06, 2023

The Family Township - "Cross the Line (Oh Andrea)"


Yes, we have another smash hit from Red On Red Records! Justine Covault continues to build one of the most extraordinary label rosters in the world of underground music which features (but is not limited to) so many of the amazing bands and artists that call Boston their home. The Family Township, the latest addition to the Red On Red family, has been beloved in Boston since 2006. The band has released several albums and EPs. The band members are Marc Pinansky (vocals, guitar), Alejandro Necochea (lead guitar), James Rohr (keys), John Sheeran (bass), and Peter MacLean (drums). The band's debut release for Red on Red, "Cross the Line (Oh Andrea)," is the perfect single for the rapidly approaching summertime. This true-life love story penned by Pinansky is the kind of song that will get your heart racing and your fists pumping. With its anthemic energy and unabashed romantic sensibility, this track could easily pass for a deep cut radio hit from the late '70s or early '80s. I'm always a sucker for big hook classic rock, and I'm always a sucker for an uplifting love song. Put those two together, and it's not surprising that I loved this tune from the opening note. Pinasky puts on a clinic on how to write a great chorus, and the musical performances are stellar across the board. And those lyrics....wow! "Cross the Line (Oh Andrea)" reminds me of all those soaring heart-on-sleeve pop anthems I heard when I was 9 or 10 years old that made me want to grow up and fall in love. The fact that it's autobiographical makes it all the more powerful. This tune is a must-have for your summer playlist. If you like what you hear, you can dig deeper into The Family Township's discography via Bandcamp.

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Sunday, April 30, 2023

Justine and The Unclean - "The Chasm"


It's a joy to be able to review an absolutely terrific band I haven't mentioned in a number of years — the mighty Justine and the Unclean. Out on Justine Covault's own label Red On Red Records, new single "The Chasm" is a must-hear if you're a power pop enthusiast. And when I say power pop, I'm talking about throwing it all the way back to the roots of the term. For this track, Justine encouraged The Unclean (bassist Janet Egan, guitarist Charles Hansen, and drummer Jim Janota) to channel the power and bombast of The Who. And that's exactly what they did. If thundering power chords and a dynamic rhythm section are your cup of tea, you'll be hitting the repeat button over and over. Anyone wanting to hear a great rock band firing on all cylinders should attend this master class. Lyrically, "The Chasm" is something a little different from the more straight-forward tales of love gone sour that Justine is so known for. This, my friends, is true poetry. The language arts teacher in me can't help but marvel at Justine's use of nature references as symbols and metaphors for a breach of trust between two individuals. She puts a lot of twang in her vocal, and that really works nicely with this song. "The Chasm" is the first song released by Justine and The Unclean in over two years, and it does not disappoint. Shout-out to Stephen Fredette for the amazing art work!

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Wednesday, October 19, 2022

The Jacklights - "Womanchild"​/​"Underachiever"

 


"Womanchild"​/​"Underachiever" is the The Jacklights' third release on Red On Red Records following a single and an EP last year. Like the previous two, this one takes me back to the '90s heyday of melodic punk rock in an entirely good way. Singer/guitarist Nilagia McCoy, bassist Mike Allen, and drummer gK Hynes execute this musical style exceptionally well — reminding us why we loved this kind of music in the first place but never settling for nostalgic re-creation. The band's music is full of driving energy, intoxicating melodies, and vocals & lyrics that are packed with emotion and deep thought. McCoy as a songwriter has a tremendous talent for articulating her personal story in a way that's relatable to everyone. "Womanchild"​/​"Underachiever" is a perfect example of that. These songs have been presented as a pair because they are two sides of the same coin. The former is about the time in young adulthood when you think you know everything but lack the self-awareness to recognize your own immaturity. The latter is from the older, wiser perspective: you realize you'll never know everything and learn to accept yourself in spite of your shortcomings. This is deeply profound stuff, and I'm blown away by how McCoy finds the perfect words for thoughts that are familiar to so many of us. Given that I daily ponder my lack of knowledge about life, the world, and even music while cringing at my past youthful hubris, these two songs are really connecting with me. A line like "I don't know if I'll ever be/Who I'm supposed to be" is so simple yet so powerful. Who can't relate to that? We all make these grand plans for life, and it never quite turns out the way we draw it up. Perhaps we don't live up to what others expect of us. Realizing that we don't have to is true wisdom. 

I love the idea that "mature punk rock" is by no means a contradiction in terms, and The Jacklights have proven this concept time and time again. "Womanchild"​/​"Underachiever" is the trio's most impressive work to date. If you like your music meaningful and full of heart, you need this band in your life.

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Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Andrea Gillis - "About a Girl"


Andrea Gillis, who released one of the best singles of 2021 on Red On Red Records, has done it again in 2022! The Boston-based singer has long been one of the finest rock and roll vocalists and live performers on the East Coast (or any other coast, for that matter). Her recent output proves that she's far more than just an electrifying frontperson: she's also a brilliant songwriter and a true artist. I wasn't sure if "Leave the Light On" could be topped, but one listen to "About A Girl" (out today on Red On Red) left my jaw dropped to the floor. This is a song that commands your attention from the very first note. It's haunting pop music of the highest quality. In the liner notes, Gillis is very open about the meaning of this song. As she puts it, she wrote the song "for all the girls that never really wanted to do the whole 'gotta be sexy so people will pay attention' thing." The song contrasts the freedom of being a young girl and making your own rules with the reality of growing up into a world that expects you to "have the right shoes and pants and such." Like the aforementioned "Leave the Light On," "About a Girl" sounds massive and triumphant -- a testament to Gillis's vocal prowess, the formidable talents of her remarkable band (a veritable all-star team of Boston rockers), and the magic production touch of both David Minehan and Pat DiCenso. And to put this song over the top, Gillis enlisted the great Tanya Donelly to sing on the track! In a year full of exceptional singles, "About a Girl" is destined to be one of the very best. If you like great songs made by incredibly talented people, you'll never find a better way to spend a dollar.

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Sunday, May 15, 2022

Kid Gulliver - "Nothing But Trouble"


Having documented its amazing run of 2020-21 singles on last year's wonderful collection Kismet, Kid Gulliver is primed to begin another run of hot singles action. Out on Red On Red Records, new single "Nothing But Trouble" is yet another earworm track from this Boston-based power pop sensation. Written by guitarist David Armillotti, this song tackles a timeless theme in pop music: being on the wrong side of a one-sided relationship. This is probably Kid Gulliver's punkiest track to date -- coming on with an upbeat energy that perfectly balances the utter despair of the lyrics. Instantly this song will have you bobbing your head or doing a little dance in your workspace. For the rest of the day, you'll be humming that melody. Simone Berk, in her usual manner, sings the lyrics in such a way that you'll truly feel them. So then: is "Nothing But Trouble" a feelgood pop hit or a devastating reflection on the pain that love can cause us? In the grand tradition of the greatest pop songs, it's both! If you haven't started working on your summer playlist, here's your track 1!

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Friday, April 01, 2022

Linnea's Garden - Fashion Show


As I eagerly awaited the debut album from Linnea's Garden, my question was how -- not if -- the band was going to top its brilliant debut EP Nowhere Friday Nights. The answer is that Linnea's Garden (Linnea Herzog on vocals & guitar, Amy Galaviz on bass, and Hands on drums) has made the proverbial giant leap since its live debut last summer. That promising DIY indie/power pop/glam-punk band that dazzled with underground hits like "Non​-​Dramatic Breakup Song" and "Friday Night" is now a full-fledged rock machine poised to enthrall packed venues. 

The story behind the new LP Fashion Show (out today on Red on Red Records) is that Herzog at some point noticed that her "gig closet" contained more clothes than her actual closest. At that moment, the album was born. The concept of loving the person you are onstage and trying to be that same person offstage emerged as the central theme of Fashion Show. Musically, this is the same Linnea's Garden you already know and love -- but with a dramatically evolved sound. The advance singles were a clear sign of what was coming. Nothing on Nowhere Friday Nights would have led us to expect the haunting post-punk and modern rock of "Looking" or the guitar-heavy dance-punk of "Cut & Paste." Latest single "No Bra," another delightful surprise, finds the band (successfully) aiming to bridge the gap between "Rebel Rebel" and "Rebel Girl." The rest of the album unfolds in similarly wonderful ways as Linnea's Garden takes elements of post-punk, pop, new wave, indie rock, disco, glam, punk, and grunge to craft a sound that is definitively its own. And while the singles are wisely placed at the start of the album, the hits keep coming (a lot of bands would kill for one song as good as deep cuts like "Mouth" or "Rat Ppl"!). Herzog's lyrics continue to knock me out. "No Bra" is both a triumphant celebration of self and a wonderfully sweet love letter. As I daydream about a million voices singing along to the lines "No bra is the best bra/It's a shame we have to leave the house/No pants are the best pants/If you wanna dance it out," I can't help but smile. "Normal" is one of the most honest and relatable songs I've heard anyone write about pandemic life. The understatedly heartbreaking "Daydream" opens with a verse worthy of enshrinement in the love song hall of fame. The goosebumps I got from last year's "Friday Night" have returned full force as I listen to "Feedback" -- one of several tracks on the album affirming the idea that our art is who we are -- not just something we make. 

Linnea's Garden first caught my attention not just because of its infectious hooks but also because of its joyful songs and spirit. Fashion Show, while a very different record from Nowhere Friday Nights, is born from the very same spirit. It celebrates love, life, art, and self-discovery. Some songs will make you smile. Others will make you cry. A few are sure to inspire. Best of all, these are tunes that you will make you want to dance and rock out like there's no tomorrow. The world is a better place with this album in it. Check out Linnea's Garden's Facebook page page for Fashion Show tour dates!

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Thursday, March 31, 2022

The Chelsea Curve - All The Things


It wasn't much of a stretch for me to predict that The Chelsea Curve would release one of the best albums of 2022. The Boston trio could have just compiled the eight fantastic singles it released last year onto one CD, and it would have had one of the finest albums of the year (or any year!). But that was never the vision. The band (Linda Pardee on bass and vocals, Tim Gillis on guitar and vocals, and Ron Belanger on drums) wanted to make a true album. Five more songs entered the mix. The whole lot of 13 tracks was sequenced and mastered, and what results is a sum greater than its parts. Out today on Red On Red Records, All The Things is an essential purchase even if you already own all the singles. Hearing the way these songs flow into each other and create a singular listening experience, you'd swear they were written to be played in this order. And as a fan, I've really enjoyed sitting down with all of these songs at once. When the band released eight singles in eight months last year, I sometimes struggled to keep up! Now I find myself gravitating to tracks I should have paid more attention to ("Inconceivable", "A Better Way") while happily returning to some of my favorite songs of recent memory ("Drag.", "Top It Up", "7000 Hours"). With all of these tunes on one album, you get a complete picture of what The Chelsea Curve is all about. This is a first rate rock and roll trio playing high-energy music with some of the strongest melodies and lyrics you'll ever have the pleasure to hear. If you've been waiting for a Boston power pop band with UK mod and first wave punk influences and a Pretenders-like charisma, you need All The Things!  

If The Chelsea Curve disagrees with All The Things being labeled a "singles collection", it's with good reason. Over a third of this record is brand-new material -- all of it of the same caliber as the band's 2021 singles. The previously unheard songs add some new wrinkles yet still fit perfectly with the rest of the album. Opening track "Jamie C'mon" sounds like a power pop radio hit straight out of 1980. "Do All The Things" is a frenetic blast of sing-along punk rock that'll get you going faster than a double shot of espresso. "Eye On You" finds Gillis stepping into a lead vocal role and totally delivering the goods. "Nuthin' Goin' On" is an upbeat rocker that tastefully incorporates ska influences. From the songs to the production to the chops (what is it about Boston that produces so many crazy-good drummers?), this album checks every box. With additional contributions from its "Mod Squad" (Rod Spark on Hammond organ, Dan Levine on trombone, and Jay Webb on trumpet), The Chelsea Curve has taken its sound to the next level! 

While not specifically about the pandemic, All The Things truly fits the mood of 2022. Pardee's lyrics all full of tremendous wisdom about handling adversity and making the right (and sometimes difficult) choices in life. Taken as a whole, these songs exude a determined optimism. Collectively we've endured so much and missed out on so many things. As something resembling normalcy in this world slowly returns, it's hard to resist the urge to make up for lost time and literally do all the things! This past fall, The Chelsea Curve left us with a call to "double up on the good stuff." All The Things follows that idea to its logical conclusion. And with a tour of England and an appearance at the Boston Calling Music Festival looming, it seems the band is living its rallying cry. Just when I was starting to agonize over which of several truly excellent early 2022 albums was the best, along comes All The Things to make it a moot point!

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Friday, March 11, 2022

Linnea's Garden - "Cut & Paste"/"Looking"



It was about a year ago that Linnea's Garden released the EP Nowhere Friday Nights -- one of the finest musical debuts of recent years. While I immediately took to the band's tuneful power pop punk approach, I was even more impressed with Linnea Herzog's thoughtful and relatable lyrics and the band's ability to a distill a myriad of musical influences into an uplifting and singularly unique sound. I have been delighted to discover that Fashion Show, the full-length debut album from Linnea's Garden, will be releasing April 1 on Red on Red Records. This album promises to build on the themes of Nowhere Friday Nights even as it finds the band jettisoning all limits on its musical identity. In the way of a preview, the band has released a pair of singles in "Cut & Paste" and "Looking". Based on these two tracks, I'm surmising that Fashion Show will live up to all my expectations and then some. 

While it's not inaccurate to say that Linnea's Garden remains a terrific pop band, that only tells a portion of the story. The influence of disco and modern dance music -- which was hinted at previously -- has become more obvious. In these songs, I can also hear bits of pieces of everything from new wave to grunge to glam to punk to indie/alternative rock. It's such a music writer cliché to say a band has "its own sound", but no one could deny that this is absolutely true of Linnea's Garden. "Cut & Paste" is a bit of a throwback to the days when the sounds of alternative rock ignited nightclub dance floors. True to the band's broadened musical vision, it takes inspiration from everyone from Blur to Blondie to Mitski to Talk Talk to Donna Summer to John Frusciante to LCD Soundsystem. Linnea Herzog again displays a gift for writing about relationships in a way that's personal and brutally honest yet also universal. This song hits you at every level. It will have you dancing, singing along, and pondering that certain someone who continues to occupy real estate in your head. It ought to be a massive hit, and maybe it will be! "Looking" is a little more of a grower yet also quite danceable -- a song full of twists and turns and beautiful guitar/bass interplay. It's a splendid example of how to make music that's creative and original but not the least bit pretentious. Again the lyrics absolutely slay me -- but isn't that true of any Linnea's Garden song? 

My initial take on Linnea's Garden was to recommend the band to fans of "any kind of music at all." That remains truer than ever. If you enjoy fun & joyful music, memorable tunes, and fantastic lyrics about love, art, and life, this is the band for you. Since I usually dread April Fool's Day like the plague, I will very much look forward to an alternative holiday: Fashion Show release day. Tour coming in April!

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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Red on Red Hots: Year One Compilation From Red on Red Records


While I do face many excruciating decisions as I begin to assemble my best of 2021 list, one selection is already a stone cold lock. Red On Red Records will be label of the year, hands down. When you look at the quality and consistency of this label's output, it can be shocking to realize that Red On Red just marked its first anniversary last week! In celebration of her label's milestone, Justine Covault has assembled a deluxe compilation featuring some of Red on Red's top singles so far plus several brand-new tracks. Red on Red Hots: Year One Compilation From Red on Red Records makes good on its massive title with a non-stop parade of underground hits. Featured here are several songs I consider among this year's finest -- such as Kid Gulliver's "Beauty School Dropout", The Chelsea Curve's "Drag", Andrea Gillis's "Leave the Light On", The Jacklight's "Beach", and Linnea's Garden's "Replacement". This comp also caught me up on ace tracks I previously missed from Cold Expectations and Stupidity featuring Keith Streng. Highlights among the new songs are Justine and the Unclean's roots-rocking version of Justine's Black Threads' country tune "You and Me Against You and Me", Sugar Snow's beautiful rendition of Roy Orbison's "Blue Bayou" recorded in tribute to Simone Berk's father, an unreleased recording of The Neighborhoods' epic rocker "Crown Victoria", and an amazing synth-poppy track from Boston's Speedfossil. On top of that, this album finally brings us the long-awaited release of the Red on Red theme song as performed by the label's house band Red On Red Records Rockers! Having grown up in a time when it was not unusual for music to be advertised on TV and radio, I am completely enthralled with this earworm of a jingle! "Music, records, rock shows and more" is a mission statement we will all happily endorse! 

Red on Red's output over the past year has been beyond impressive. Justine has assembled a roster featuring many of the finest garage, punk, power pop, and indie rock bands from Boston (and beyond!). She has worked relentlessly across the world of social media, underground radio, music blogs, and the live music scene to promote her artists. Of course I love the music, but Justine's passion is what makes this label truly special. Her vision for the label was "to create a place where good bands with good songs could get more ears on their music". Well I'd say that's a huge mission accomplished for year one -- which Red on Red Hots wonderfully documents in tangible form. A lot of labels would be happy with a compilation this good after five or ten years! Happy birthday, Red on Red. I am excited for even bigger and better things in year two!

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Tuesday, November 09, 2021

The Chelsea Curve - "Top It Up"


It's hard to believe that we have finally reached the end of The Chelsea Curve's "The Singles Scene" series! Since March, the Boston trio has released a new single every month on Red On Red Records. It seems like a mere instant ago that we were all wishing 2020 could be over, and now here we are almost through another year! The Chelsea Curve has definitely made the most of this year. Eight singles in eight months is an impressive feat by itself. But beyond that, all of these singles have been so freaking good! "Top It Up" is a fitting final installment and easily one of the best of the bunch. It's a feelgood song for feelbad times. Its message is that when life becomes overwhelming, it's okay to take a break and "double up on all the good stuff". While this song is not specifically about pandemic life, just about anyone can relate to the line "All this zooming around/all this running backwards" at this moment in time! Musically, this is a vintage Chelsea Curve number: upbeat punky pop with a Motown/girl group influence. And who doesn't love singing along to a refrain like "Heyo, Heyo!"? It's just a super fun song that manages to be life-affirming even as it confronts the on-going struggle of existence. Doubling up on all the good stuff is a cause I wholeheartedly endorse -- I have even hit the pause button on my daily work to get this review written! If you follow Linda's lyrics the whole way through the song, you'll notice a subtle change at the end that reflects how the pandemic experience has altered our perception of what it means to "take a break". "Top It Up" is a mod-pop anthem for our times and all times. 

With "The Singles Scene" now wrapped up, you can expect a full-length album from The Chelsea Curve in early 2022. It will include all of the singles in remastered form plus some old live favorites and some brand-new tunes. I haven't even decided on my top albums of 2021 yet, but I've already penciled in The Chelsea Curve as a prime contender for next year's top spot!

-L.R.

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Sunday, October 03, 2021

The Chelsea Curve - "7000 Hours"

"7000 Hours" is the seventh in a monthly series of singles released by Boston trio The Chelsea Curve this year. All of this is leading up to a debut album slated for release on Red On Records early next year. Well based on all of these singles, it seems like we've established an early contender for best album of 2022! Month after month, Linda, Tim, and Ron continue to deliver memorable mod-inspired punk-pop tunes with big hooks and stunning lyrics. July's release "Drag" is currently holding the #1 position in my "best singles of 2021" tally (Yes, I'm already drafting my end-of-the-year lists!). With its calm, bittersweet feel, "7000 Hours" was clearly intended to be a fall release. Arriving on the heels of bouncier tracks like "Inconceivable" and the aforementioned "Drag", "7000 Hours" is a wistfully gorgeous little number. Linda Pardee's lyrics employ a space travel metaphor to convey the loss of a loved one. The Chelsea Curve is frequently compared to the Pretenders, and the similarity between the two bands is especially undeniable on this track. Pardee's vocal is in perfect harmony with an absolutely beautiful melody, and Tim Gillis channels James Honeyman-Scott on guitar. Whomever or whatever you're longing for at the moment, this track is sure to hit the spot. A digital purchase of "7000 Hours" is just about the best use of a dollar that I can think of. It, along with all previous Chelsea Curve singles, is available anytime from Red On Records!

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Saturday, October 02, 2021

Kid Gulliver - Kismet


Now here is a wonderful idea: following its amazing run of six digital singles/EPs dating back to early 2020, Kid Gulliver has packaged all of this material onto a nifty compact disc! Out on Red On Records, Kismet is officially Kid Gulliver's debut album after seven years+ as a band. You can call it a singles compilation, a greatest hits collection, or a "How I spent the global pandemic" project. Regardless, it's a neat thing for all of these tracks to finally appear on a physical release that you can hold in your hands and pop into a CD player. The album consists of the entirety of KG's recent Gimme So Go! EP plus the digital singles "Susie Survived Chemotherapy", "i wanna be a popstar", "Carousel", "Beauty School Dropout", and "Boy in a Bubble". It's rounded out with a couple of deep cuts from earlier EPs for a total of 11 tracks. Taken as a single album, Kismet is a wonderful showcase for how great of a band Kid Gulliver is. I'm not a format snob by any means, but there is still something really cool about having a physical release from a band you really like. So when you're conversing with your friends about the best present-day power pop bands and you want to make your case for Kid Gulliver, all you have to do is pull out this CD and let the music do the talking! It's hard for me to pinpoint standout tracks since most of these tunes were stand-alone indie radio hits. But I will say that the band's cover of The Bee Gees' classic "I Started a Joke" continues to take my breath away. And the brand-new music video for "Stupid Little Girl" is an absolute hoot! If catchy power pop with smart, funny lyrics and exceptional vocals sounds good to you, now is an optimal time to hop on the Kid Gulliver bandwagon!

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Sunday, August 15, 2021

The Chelsea Curve - "Drag"


I think I may have found my new personal anthem! Out on Red On Red Records, "Drag" is the fifth in a monthly series of singles by Boston-based power pop/mod/punk trio The Chelsea Curve. It's a song about remaining optimistic when all seems so hopeless and "everything and everyone's at war". That sure sounds familiar! Linda Pardee's lyrics advocate looking to the brighter side of things. That's a position I will wholeheartedly endorse. The hook line to the song astutely points out that "everything is such a drag" -- and you won't find a more bang-on summation of life in 2021. All of the singles in this series have been remarkable, but "Drag" is something special. When that chorus hits, it's absolute magic. And the lyrics knocked me out before I even got through the first verse. If catchy mod-pop with tons of smarts, big hooks, and amazing vocals sounds appealing to you, all of these Chelsea Curve singles are essential downloads. And it's all leading up to what will surely be one of the year's best albums. Next single will be out in ten days!

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Sunday, August 08, 2021

The Jacklights - Drift


Boston melodic punk trio The Jacklights, who delivered the definitive winter single of 2021, send out more summery vibes on their terrific new EP Drift. As always, the band captures the essence of '90s melodic punk and pop-punk in a way that still feels contemporary. Compared to previous Jacklights releases, Drift is a little more polished in the production department. And I mean that in an entirely good way. While Nilagia McCoy's lyrics remain eloquent and thoughtful, the overall feel of this EP is warm and upbeat. Opening track "Beach" is wonderfully bittersweet in a way that only the best pop-punk can be. "Cold Feet" instantly transports me to a 1990s all-ages mosh pit. "Monster Love" is sweet, sad, and deeply human. "Cheap Date" demonstrates how to pull off a grand, romantic song in a totally non-cheesy way. 

Out on Red On Red Records, Drift is highly recommended to anyone who loves punk rock with lots of melody and heart. It's full of passionate, hook-laden tunes that are perfect for warm summer evenings. McCoy, along with bassist Michael Allen and drummer Steve Patton, execute this musical style beautifully. They manage to take influence from bands like The Descendents while still having their own sound. While Drift may stir up teenage or twentysomething memories for many of us, The Jacklights are by no means a band stuck in the past. They genuinely make these old sounds feel new again. In 25 years when I'll be 75 and undoubtedly still writing reviews of punk rock music, I'll hope to hear bands that remind me of The Jacklights! 

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Thursday, July 01, 2021

Lee Harrington & Lynda Mandolyn - "Real Love"

 


How about another another "super duo"? Lee Harrington (The Neighborhoods, The Shang Hi Los) and Lynda Mandolyn (Tiger Bomb, Fabulous Disaster) are household names in the power pop/punk-pop universe. Admirers of each other's online releases and digital performances in 2020, these two tremendous talents decided to start a band together! They collaborated long distance, with Harrington recording in Boston and Mandolyn recording in Portand, Maine. Chuck Ferreira, Harrington's bandmate in The Shang Hi Los, was recruited to play drums. My god: what a lineup! "Real Love", the debut single from Lee Harrington & Lynda Mandolyn, is out now on the always fabulous Red On Records. And let me tell you: it does not disappoint! This just might be my favorite single of the year so far! It's an upbeat punky pop tune built around a well-crafted and totally irresistible melody. It's performed as a duet -- with both vocalists trading parts and also singing in harmony. One of the hardest things to do in music is to create a "positive" love song that doesn't make people want to puke. But that's exactly what Harrington & Mandolyn have pulled off here. Harrington's lyrics champion the notion of true love in a way that comes off as relatable and completely real (no pun intended). If you took a classic Buzzcocks song and replaced the cynicism with optimism, it would sound an awful lot like this. What a perfect pop song! 

Any fan of power pop had to be excited by the idea of Lee Harrington and Lynda Mandolyn collaborating. The only unknown was how their voices would sound together. Well, it's clear that they sound great together! Let us hope for much, much more music to come from Lee Harrington & Lynda Mandolyn!

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Saturday, June 26, 2021

Kid Gulliver - Gimme Some Go!


Following its amazing run of singles in 2020-21, Kid Gulliver has finally given us a bigger taste of its musical talents. The Boston-based pop group has released a four-song EP called Gimme Some Go! on Red On Red Records. What I like about this release is that it shows multiple sides of Kid Gulliver. It leads with a cover of the Bee Gees' classic "I Started A Joke". It's pretty ballsy to take on a song as perfect as "I Started A Joke", and I have to hand it to Kid Gulliver here. Rather than try to top the original (impossible!), the band chose to completely transform it. If you were not aware of the Bee Gees version, you could easily mistake this for a Kid Gulliver original! It's got a new wave/power pop feel to it, and Simone Berk's approach to the lead vocal is unexpected in the most wonderful way. This, my friends, is how you do a cover song! The video for the song (embedded below) is a real hoot. It's a throwback to all of those old school "performance clip" music videos, and there's a very special guest star appearing on bass! 

Having set such a high bar for the rest of the EP, Kid Gulliver follows through with three excellent original songs. The haunting "Lila Dreams" brings to mind early '80s U.K. indie rock and weaves a sad tale of quiet despair. The interplay between David Armillotti's guitar and Lee Harrington's bass on this track is nothing short of stunning. "Gimme Some Go!" is the real surprise of this release. Who knew Kid Gulliver could do ska --  and do it well?! To close out the EP, "Stupid Little Girl" is a jangly power pop number that you might describe as "vintage" Kid Gulliver. Let it be said that the world can always use more pop songs which illuminate the imprudence of falling in love with a serial killer. Being a particular fan of well-crafted dark humor, I find myself in awe of Armillotti's lyrics and Berk's matter-of-fact treatment of them. In a just world, this song would be all over the radio! 

I must concur with Ralph Rivera -- Kid Gulliver somehow manages to get better with every new release! Gimme Some Go! is full of pleasant surprises and truly splendid songs. Armillotti and Berk as a songwriting and vocal tandem are on some kind of roll. More, please!

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Wednesday, May 19, 2021

The Chelsea Curve - "All in Time"


One of the wonderful ironies of this brave new world of streaming and downloading is that it has given new life to one of the most traditional formats in recorded music: the single. Don't get me wrong -- I still love albums. But as a lifelong music fan, I've always found it rewarding to "consume" music one song at a time. When I was a kid, there was always something super cool about buying a 45 and playing the A-side over and over and over again. That way I really got to know the song. These days, it's a similar experience when a band releases a digital single. I really enjoy taking in a song as a singular artistic creation. On that note, I love what The Chelsea Curve is doing right now: releasing a series of monthly singles that will culminate with an album release. "All in Time", out on Red On Red Records, is the Boston trio's second single and a more than satisfying follow-up to its stunning debut "Girl Cavedog". "All In Time" is another energetic shot of mod-inspired power pop meets poppy punk. It brings great energy, tons of hooks, and tremendous lyrical substance. And as always, Linda Pardee's voice sounds absolutely amazing. This is a song about "trying to keep one's own mental faculties together while watching a loved one lose theirs". No doubt that's a very serious theme, but the song is carried off in an uplifting, hopeful way. Running just a few ticks past two-and-a-half minutes, it always leaves me wanting more. Thankfully another single is coming very soon!

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Sunday, April 25, 2021

Kid Gulliver - "Boy In A Bubble"


There aren't many sweeter phrases in the English language than "new Kid Gulliver single"! The Boston foursome has been on fire with its singles over the last couple of years. Its latest, "Boy In A Bubble" , is available now from the always wonderful Red On Records. Again Kid Gulliver delivers a should-be radio hit that combines ear candy melodies with tremendous lyrical substance. The feel of this track is a little bit different from some of the band's recent singles. My man Ralph Rivera compares it to some of The Cure's pop hits, and I'd say he's dead-on. It has a beautifully melancholic vibe to it featuring serene melodic guitars that blend perfectly with Simone's dreamy vocals. Lyrically, the song was inspired by the forced isolation brought on by the pandemic last year. This is a song that almost anyone will be able to relate to, but I imagine it will especially hit you hard if you live alone. Those hooks lines "Oh, how I wish I was kissed by the sun today/Oh, how I wish I was kissed by anyone today" definitely evoke the heyday of black-clad post-punk pop. And a deeper dive into David's lyrics finds him articulating the malaise of COVID isolation with chilling accuracy:

Electric light provides no warmth/
Two plastic arms that cannot love/
The sterile air I cannot smell/
The clock keeps time for nothing

That pretty much nails it, doesn't it? "Boy In A Bubble" is a haunting song, but a beautiful one as well. Part of the appeal of Kid Gulliver is the way David trusts Simone to bring his lyrics to life. The words and voice prove equally important. That, my friends, is true musical chemistry. This is a song about loneliness that will make you feel less alone in the world. In my book, it's Kid Gulliver's best single yet. And now I can't stop imagining David with big hair in the '80s!

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