Night Candies - Rock'n'roll Fantasies

I always enjoy an exciting new band that seemingly comes out of nowhere. Night Candies popped up on Bandcamp yesterday with a digital EP called Rock'n'roll Fantasies. It's seven tracks of really cool girl group–inspired power pop/punk from a Spanish-based band with lyrics sung in French and English. As far as I can tell, Night Candies have no social media presence. So the band is a bit of a mystery, but I sure like the music! All these songs clock in under two minutes long and are catchy as heck with rockin' lead guitar and a hoppin' beat. Who can't relate to a song called "1981 Again (I Wish It Was)"? It will cost you zero dollars and nine minutes of your time to check out this EP, and I recommended doing just that!

-L.R.

https://nightcandies.bandcamp.com/album/rocknroll-fantaisies

The Von Dread's - Gotta Go!

Hailing from Valencia, Spain, The Von Dread's play high energy '70s-style punk rock 'n' roll with the emphasis on the rock. What's not to love about that? Gotta Go!, the band's debut EP, will be out later this month on Madrid's Snap!! Records. It's a ripper! The American punk influences (Dead Boys, Dictators, Real Kids) are obvious, but there's a discernible Aussie punk flavor to these tracks as well. If you dig snotty vocals, smoking guitars, and a rhythm section that refuses to adhere to the posted speed limit, you are in for a treat. Any way you slice it, this is very well-done punk rock 'n' roll with attitude and energy to burn. It's 2024, and bands like this still exist. I'll drink to that!

-L.R.

https://snaprecordsspain.bandcamp.com/album/the-von-dreads-gotta-go-ep-fun-7089

Heatwaves - Heatwaves #4

Spain's Heatwaves, well-known for their '60s girl group meets new wave pop sound, have been quiet for a few years. But that changes with the release of their new EP, simply titled Heatwaves #4. It arrives four years after Heatwaves #3. And while the time between releases has been long, Heatwaves #4 proves to be well worth the wait. Lead track "Don't Say No," co-written by Luis Sanchez and band pal Kurt Baker, is nothing short of magical. It's a timeless shot of Motown-inspired pop that ought to be the song of the summer (C'mon, the band name is the Heatwaves!). With its infectious beat, majestic hooks, and gorgeous vocal from Ana Beltrán, this song sounds instantly familiar yet genuinely fresh. I choose to imagine it emanating from swimming pools, backyard cookouts, beach parties, water parks, sporting events, and car players all across the globe for several months to come. "Take Back," which channels '60s girl groups by way of Blondie, is darn near as good. "Nothing New Under the Sun" has a groovier '60s vibe to it, while "C'est le bonheur" is sublimely upbeat and laden with harmonies to die for. This, my friends, is a record made to be played over and over! 

Heatwaves #4 is available now from Family Spree Recordings. If you love this record (and you will!), be sure to snag the band's Complete Recordings (2017-2020) as well!

-L.R.

https://heatwavesfsr.bandcamp.com/album/fsr139-heatwaves-heatwaves-4-ep
https://familyspreerecordings.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_heatwaves_/
https://www.facebook.com/heatwavescs
https://www.facebook.com/familyspreerecordings

Los Recuerdos - Entre Macca y Juan Gabriel

One thing I love about great pop is that it transcends language. Madrid-based foursome Los Recuerdos has released a new EP called Entre Macca y Juan Gabriel which is an absolute treat for anyone who loves power pop. I can't tell you anything about the lyrics since they're all in Spanish. What I can tell you is that Los Recuerdos write amazing songs with huge hooks and play them with an enthusiasm and energy that are positively contagious. If you're looking for tunes for your summer playlist, I offer my highest possible recommendation to "Una Idea Genial"! With influences ranging from the British Invasion to '70s mod & punk to contemporary power pop and beyond, Los Recuerdos are everything you want a guitar pop band to be. Entre Macca y Juan Gabriel is tremendous fun and full of songs that are destined to get stuck in your head. Be sure to also check out the band's excellent self-titled EP from last year!

-L.R.

https://losrecuerdos.bandcamp.com/album/entre-macca-y-juan-gabriel
https://www.instagram.com/losrecuerdos027/

The Pulsebeats - Lookin' Out

The Pulsebeats have taken the garage/punk/power pop universe by storm with their recent track "(She Sings Like) Joey Ramone". Well I am here to tell you that that song is no aberration. From start to finish, The Pulsebeats' new long player Lookin' Out is an absolutely killer release and easily one of the best punk rock albums of 2021. Based out of Santander, Spain, this foursome has been around for over a decade. But Lookin' Out totally blows away the band's previous output. This is that rare  "classic punk" album that manages to sound new and fresh in modern times. On these 13 tracks, The Pulsebeats combine the influences of '77 punk, power pop, and straight-up rock and roll to form a sound that is both familiar and unique. I can pick up on some key influences in spots (Buzzcocks, Dictators, Marked Men), but I wouldn't say The Pulsebeats sound like any other band out there. Lookin' Out hits the mark with '77-style toe-tappers ("Skipping Stones"), racing punkers ("241259"), pure pop songs ("Life As a Movie"), garage bangers ("Hot Glue It!"), and everything in between. Loosely based on the concept that society suffers when individualism gets out of hand, Lookin' Out is full of reflections on our modern world. But it will also hit the spot if you just wanna crank up some high-energy music and jump around. If you like fast-paced punk rock with lots of melody and plenty to say lyrically, this album ought to be on your radar. It's out now in Europe on Folc Records. American release on Rum Bar Records is coming at the top of 2022!

-L.R.

https://thepulsebeats.bandcamp.com/album/lookin-out
https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lookin-out
https://www.facebook.com/thepulsebeats/
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords
https://www.facebook.com/folcrecords

Las Infrarrojas & Indy Tumbita - self titled

Well here's something completely delightful from Madrid's ever-reliable Hurrah! Música! Co-released with Family Spree Recordings, the third EP from Alicante-based foursome Las Infrarrojas is a collaboration with the superb Spanish guitarist Indy Tumbita. This EP is the epitome of great pop. It combines the influences of power pop, surf, girl groups, and sunny '60s pop into a sublime blend of melody and harmony. All four tracks (two sung in English, two sung in Spanish) hit the mark. This is an A+ pop release from a couple of labels that specialize in that very thing. If you like what you hear, Las Infrarrojas' previous EPs are also well worth inspecting via Bandcamp. Yay pop!

-L.R.

https://hurrahmusica.bandcamp.com/album/las-infrarrojas-indy-tumbita
https://familyspreerecordings.bandcamp.com/album/fsr098-las-infrarrojas-indy-tumbita-ep
https://www.facebook.com/infrarrevolucionarias
https://lasinfrarrojas.bandcamp.com/

Klobber - Clap Time!

Here's something I'm always in the mood for: some great straight-forward punk rock that walks the fine line between '70s punk and early hardcore. Klobber hails from Madrid but has a sound that brings to mind North America circa 1980. Its latest album Clap Time! was recently released on Madrid-based label Take The City Records. I highly recommend it to fans of Zero Boys, Adolescents, D.O.A., early Black Flag, or the more recent Night Birds. Klobber plays tight and powerful tunes with melody and conviction (at times they summon the spirit of The Clash, which is fine by me!). If you misconstrued the lyrics to "Only In It for the Beer", you might dismiss Klobber as a party band. But nothing could be further from the truth! This is a band with something to say about the state of the world, and Clap Time! addresses topics ranging from racial injustice to pandemic life to the pervasive nature of addiction to the media's role in manipulating the masses. Powering through 10 tracks in 22 minutes, Clap Time! is the quintessential old school hardcore punk long player. The tunes rip hard, but they're catchy as hell. Without a doubt, this is one of the year's best punk rock records!

-L.R.

https://takethecityrecords.bandcamp.com/album/clap-time
https://www.facebook.com/people/Klobber/100037550725654/
https://www.facebook.com/takethecityrecords

Kurt Baker - "Anytime At All"

I'm always stoked to get new music from Kurt Baker. Well here's some new old music from Kurt Baker! "Anytime At All" was recorded by Baker with his Spanish band The Kurt Baker Combo a few years back. For whatever reason, it went unreleased -- until now! This track is a cover of a song off of The Yum Yums' third album ...Whatever Rhymes With Baby. If you've never heard the original, do yourself a favor and check it out immediately! The Yum Yums are one of the greatest power pop punk bands to ever walk the Earth, and Baker's rendition of "Anytime At All" is a tremendous tribute. If you've been hearing "Anytime At All" on the Underground Garage lately and wondered where this song came from, well...it came from the god-like songwriting prowess of Morten Henriksen! Of course Baker and the boys give it their own distinctive twist. This is the first of several "from the vaults" digital singles that Baker will be releasing on Wicked Cool Records this year. I must say this track was a great choice for a first installment! Also stay tuned for a new Kurt Baker 7" on Wicked Cool, "Keep It Tight"/"Get Away", which is due to release August 27th!

-L.R.

https://kurtbakerwcr.bandcamp.com/track/anytime-at-all
https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic
https://www.instagram.com/kurtmiltonbaker/
https://twitter.com/KurtMiltonBaker
https://www.facebook.com/WickedCoolRecords

McLovings - "This guy's not doing you good"

It's been a couple years since I last reviewed McLovings out of San Sebastián, Spain. "This guy's not doing you good", the band's sixth single, was just released yesterday on Bandcamp. This is by far my favorite release from McLovings yet. These two songs, while still firmly rooted in punk and rock and roll, really hit that classic power pop sweet spot. And at a combined three minutes, 53 seconds, these two numbers don't waste any time getting to the hooks. If you like catchy pop tunes with punchy guitars, this single and this band ought to require your further inspection. Spain never lets me down!

 

-L.R.

https://themclovings.bandcamp.com/album/this-guys-not-doing-you-good

Bullet Proof Lovers - self titled

On what is now their fourth release, Spain's Bullet Proof Lovers go the self-titled route for the second time! Kurt, Luiyi, Joseba, Gonzalo, and Juan are back, and of course they're looking to rock your face off! Bullet Proof Lovers is a five-track EP issued on 12" vinyl by Ghost Highway Recordings and compact disc by Artza Records. This is the Bullet Proof Lovers, so you know exactly what you're getting: high-powered rock and roll with big hooks. Juan and Luiyi continue to tear it up on guitar while Joseba and Gonzalo ably drive the rhythm. And Kurt Baker, the hardest working man in show business, belts 'em with gusto on lead vocals. This is the first new music from Bullet Proof Lovers in nearly three years, and they're not fooling around with the formula. They play no-frills rock and roll that straight-up rips. "Razor Sharp" is like Cheap Trick with a punk rock and roll edge. "I Don't Wanna Want No More" puts the power in power pop. "Fist Full of Dust" is an arena-sized shot of thunder. This EP may be "too rock" for the punk crowd and "too punk" for the rock crowd. And that's what makes it awesome. Turn it up!



-L.R.

https://bulletprooflovers.bandcamp.com/album/s-t 
https://ghosthighwayrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/s-t-2 
https://www.facebook.com/bulletprooflovers 
http://www.ghosthighwayshop.com/es/ 
https://www.facebook.com/GhostHighwayRecordings/ 
https://www.facebook.com/ARTZA-Records-2292089587565268/ 

Ceremoney - The Reaction

Alright, power pop fans. I've got a real treat for you today! Ceremoney hail from Palma, Spain but sound like they just stepped out of England or Northern Ireland circa 1979! The band's new EP The Reaction has been released by the Spanish label Cero en Conducta Records. Don't let the cover art fool you. The sound here is classic power pop riding the edges of mod-punk and new wave. The label cites bands such Strangeways, Starjets, and The Letters for comparison, and I definitely agree. There's a great punky energy to these four tracks, but melody and quality songwriting are always at the forefront. "Five Years" reminds me a little of The Vapors, while "Little Norway" is skinny tie power pop by way of the British Invasion. The label guy Pepe told me, "The first time I listened to these songs, I couldn't believe it." And I know exactly what he means! I am so excited to have discovered this band, and I imagine many of you will feel the same way. My love affair with Spanish rock and roll continues!

 
-L.R.

https://www.facebook.com/Ceremoney/
https://www.facebook.com/ceroenconductarecords/

Kurt Baker Combo - "Can't Go Back"

What a great run of new music we've had this fall! That continues with the latest single from the Kurt Baker Combo. The new record is called "Can't Go Back", and it's out now on Wicked Cool Records. These tracks come from the same sessions that resulted in the Combo's outstanding summer 2019 single "(I Can't Help) Failing In Love". This single was produced by Mike Mariconda and post-produced by Wyatt Funderburk under the watchful eye of executive producer Steven Van Zandt. What I love about Baker's records with the Combo is that you never know what you're gonna get. Garage rock? Power pop? British Invasion? Pub rock? You can expect any of that and more. Baker co-wrote "Can't Go Back" with Andrew Rice, his former band-mate in The Leftovers. I sometimes think of The Combo as a modern-day version of The Attractions, so the vintage Elvis Costello flavor of this track just seems fitting. And with a guest appearance on 12-string guitar by the supremely talented Johnathan Pushkar, there's a more than palpable Beatles influence as well. What a great little pop song! On the flip, "No One's Home" is a song Baker co-wrote with Mark O'Flaherty, his band-mate in The Gold. This one's straight-up old school rockabilly and ought to have you reaching for your dancing shoes. I like how this track really lets The Combo turn loose its chops: Jorge Colldan tearing it up on lead guitar while Juancho Lopez & Sam Malakian steer the beat like the pros that they are. If this song doesn't get your toes tapping, nothing will!

Baker and the Combo enlisted a whole slew of talented friends to make "Can't Go Back" a cool record. Additional "guest stars" include Dani Niño on baritone saxophone, Maika Maikovski on backing vocals, Kris Rodgers on keyboards, and Manuel Machín contributing hand-claps. These two songs were definitely tailor made to be paired on a 45, and I imagine a lot of you will be playing the heck out of this thing! This is my tenth time reviewing a Kurt Baker record (or 21st if you include other releases he's played on). How long will it take until I've reviewed ten more? I'll start taking your bets now...



-L.R.

https://kurtbakerwcr.bandcamp.com/album/cant-go-back 
https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic 
https://wickedcoolrecords.bandcamp.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/WickedCoolRecords 

Kurt Baker Combo - "(I Can't Help) Failing In Love"

How about we close out the month with something super great! You know I'm a huge fan of the Kurt Baker Combo, so it's likely I'd write a positive review even if they put out a whole album of a cappella covers of hair metal songs (wait, that actually sounds kind of awesome!). But in all honesty, I must say the band's new 7" on Wicked Cool Records is probably its best release to date. "(I Can't Help) Failing In Love" is Baker's first 7" with the Combo since 2015. Note the spelling on the title track. This isn't the Elvis song. It's an original number that Baker co-wrote with his longtime collaborator Wyatt Funderburk and producer Mike Mariconda. Given Funderburk's involvement, you would expect a little of that old Brand New Beat/Brand New B Sides magic. And if that's what you're expecting, you will not be disappointed! "(I Can't Help) Failing In Love" hits that sweet spot where classic power pop meets early '80s radio hit rock. And when I say "hit", I'm not kidding. Oh my god, those hooks! This is probably the "poppiest" track Baker has released since signing to Wicked Cool. And if you think I mean that as anything but a supreme compliment, you don't know me very well. It's great to hear Baker flex those power pop muscles again. And it sure doesn't hurt that his band mates (Juancho Lopez on bass, Jorge Colldan on lead guitar, and Sam Malakian on drums) rock this number into next week! On the flip side, "Pack My Bags" has a "Joe Jackson circa 1980" feel to it. I've got no complaints about that at all! This Baker/Mariconda original does a magnificent job of playing up the Combo's formidable chops in a way that fully serves the song. And you are likely to find yourself whistling that melody all day!

 "(I Can't Help) Failing In Love" was executive produced by Wicked Cool's very own Steven Van Zandt. This is a case where the artist, label, and producer all clearly shared a vision for what a good 7" record ought to be. You've got the perfect pop hit backed with a B-side that actually gets you excited to flip over the record. Of course these songs are great in a digital format as well. But this single was obviously designed to be a 45, and I highly recommend enjoying it in that fashion. I envision this record in a jukebox or topping a pile of 45s next to your bedroom turntable. My Italian friends should watch out for the Kurt Baker Combo coming your way live July 10-12!



-L.R.

https://kurtbakerwcr.bandcamp.com/album/i-cant-help-failing-in-love 
https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic 
https://www.facebook.com/WickedCoolRecords 

Unfinished Business: Furies - self titled

Continuing on my quest to cover some of the essential releases I missed in 2018, we head on over to Madrid and meet a mighty trio called Furies. The band's debut album only supports my contention that on a per capita basis, Spain might be the most "rock n' roll" nation on the planet. What we've got here are 10 tracks of straight-forward rock n' roll taking its cues from '70s glam rock, Vanda & Young/early AC/DC, and the mighty Ramones. How can you go wrong with a blueprint like that?! All the Suzi Quatro and Runaways comparisons are pretty on point, and I would say that Furies are definitely kindred spirits with contemporary bands like Giuda. If you like tough guitars, a simple driving beat, and big hooky choruses, this album ought to be right up your alley. I appreciate that these songs were formed out of a love for the deep history of rock n' roll. That's apparent not just in the original numbers but also in the choice of covers (Bob Seger's "Get Out of Denver", Ike and Tina's "Nutbush City Limits", both well done!). This is some real deal rock n' roll, my friends. This album, available from Contra Records and the Italian label Teenadelic, is a hell of a lot of fun. Stomp your hands, clap your feet!



-L.R.

https://furiesmadrid.bandcamp.com/album/furies-2 
https://www.facebook.com/FuriesGlamMadrid/ 
https://www.facebook.com/teenadelicrecords/ 

McLovings - Love Strike

When I first reviewed McLovings back in 2016, I knew that they were my kind of band! This fab foursome from San Sebastián, Spain is back with its third release and like the previous two it can be had for the very reasonable price of free! What I enjoy about Love Strike is that it's one of those records that just makes you feel good. Both tracks are upbeat power pop that will have you singing along and furiously bobbing your within seconds. Seriously: no matter how crappy things are going, you simply can't have a bad day if you listen to these songs! "She Brings Me Coffee" boasts a hook you won't be able to get out of your head, and I like that it ends with an extra jolt of energy. Man, this one ought to be a hit! That melody is contagious. "The Place Is Here, The Time Is Now" actually dials up the energy with an even faster tempo. It's a perfect example of why I've always had a soft spot for European power pop. I can just imagine this song being performed live and seeing people going crazy dancing!

In my years of covering music, I've been struck by how much passion for rock n' roll exists within the borders of Spain. In that country, they just totally get it! Such an environment produces bands like McLovings, and the world is better for it!



-L.R.

https://themclovings.bandcamp.com/ 

K7s - Take 1

Alright! This one is for the pop-punk fans! Take 1 is the debut album from Spanish super-trio K7s. I can only describe it as music for lovers of pop-punk made by lovers of pop-punk. If you're on the fence about pop-punk or outright hate it, this album won't turn you to the dark side. But if you're nuts about the 1990s Lookout! Records catalog and the generations of bands it inspired, Take 1 will send you straight to your happy place. My first impression of this album was, "This ought to be on Stardumb Records". Then I did a little digging. And sure enough, Stardumb is one of three labels (along with Rum Bar Records and Jolly Ronnie Records) collaborating to release this LP!

K7s are Luis Sanchez (Los Reactivos) on guitar and vocals, the great Kurt Baker on bass, and Jose Andres Albertos (Airbag) on drums. That's an awful lot of star power from the worlds of garage and power pop, but these guys had something far more specific in mind with this project. Take 1 is the kind of record that reminds me why I was so hooked on pop-punk in the days of my youth. Without apology, K7s knock out one perfect two minute pop song after another that worships at the altar of the Ramones, Screeching Weasel, Queers, and Green Day. This, my friends, is pop-punk by the book. You like buzzsaw guitars? Melodic leads? Sticky sweet melodies? Heart on sleeve lyrics? Take 1 delivers all of that in abundance, with tremendous production from Wyatt Funderburk that accentuates the pop and the punk. Sanchez is a likable presence on lead vocals who can pull off lovelorn and snotty with equal effectiveness. He really has a knack for writing these simple yet impossibly catchy pop songs. And as a musical trio, these three are as tight as it gets!

What I appreciate about Take 1 is that although it's a classic pop-punk record, you can't say that every song sounds the same. It's got everything from the textbook pop-punk of "Running Back To You" to the power pop leaning "All About Me" to the darker-sounding "Go Away" to the totally sappy "Your Lips Met Mine" to the punk rock kick in the nuts of "It's The CIA". Funderburk did a great job of letting the hooks shine while still playing up the inherent punch of this trio's attack. With a record like this, you don't really want to mess with the formula. What you do want to do is execute it to perfection, and that's what K7s have done so well. If you're looking for new ground to be broken, this is not your band. But if you desire a record that's a whole lot of fun and sure to have you singing along for weeks on end, Take 1 is hard to beat.



-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/take-1 
https://www.facebook.com/k7sband 
https://stardumbrecords.com/products/k7s-take-1-lp 
https://www.facebook.com/JollyRonnie/ 
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords/ 

Kurt Baker - The Lost Weekend EP

So there's a new Kurt Baker release out, and of course I'm stoked! The Lost Weekend EP, out on Little Steven's Wicked Cool Records, is a compilation of rare and unreleased tracks that will tide us over until the next Kurt Baker Combo album arrives next year. Some of these are solo recordings, and others were done in Spain with the Combo. Even if you own everything Baker has ever released, this is an EP you need to own if you're a fan. Three of these seven tracks are being heard for the first time ever, and another was only available as a bonus track on the vinyl version of the Play It Cool LP. Among the unreleased tracks is a terrific cover of "(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love and Understanding" - which Baker recorded with the very awesome Spanish band Los Reactivos a while back. I always appreciated the way Elvis Costello made that song his own, and here Baker and Los Reactivos do the same. Equally impressive is Baker and The Combo's run at the Larry Williams classic "Bad Boy" - which The Beatles famously covered in 1965. And how could it be that "Keep Away", which Baker co-wrote with Dan Vapid, has never been released before? That remains a mystery, but now we finally get to hear it!

The songs on The Lost Weekend EP that you may already be familiar with definitely fall into the rare category. "Give It Up" and "Motion Devotion" came out on a 7" on Hidden Volume Records that was limited to 300 copies and quickly sold out. The Nick Lowe inspired rocker "Girl's Got Money" is from a single released in 2013 on Collectors Club Records (only 200 copies made!). And Baker's cover of the '60s garage rarity "Thank Goodness It's Friday" by Doug Brown and The Omens will be new to you unless you own Play It Cool on vinyl.

In addition to its offering of unreleased gems like "Bad Boy" and "Keep Away", The Lost Weekend EP is such a treat because it shows us the many sides of Kurt Baker. These seven tracks run the gamut from '60s garage to power pop to straight-up rock n' roll, and all in all this release really captures the "have a good time, all the time" mind-set that has come to define Baker's music. The EP is available now from iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Google Play, etc.!



-L.R.

https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic/ 
https://www.facebook.com/WickedCoolRecords/ 

New album from Bullet Proof Lovers!

It was seven months ago that I first teased the arrival of a new LP from Bullet Proof Lovers - those power-popping hard rockers from San Sebastián, Spain. Said LP has arrived, and it does not disappoint! BPL are Kurt Baker on lead vocals, Luiyi Costa (Txorlitohead, Lolas Club) on guitar, Joseba Arza (Brigada Criminal, Señor No, Ladislao) on drums, Gonzalo Ibañez (Nuevo Catecismo Católico, La Perrera) on bass, and Juan Irazu (Discipulos de Dionisos, Gran Yate Especial) on guitar. Shot Through The Heart is the band's second release overall and first in over two years. As expected, it's the perfect mix of hook-laden power pop and full-throttle, kick-in-the-ass rock n' roll. As good as 2014's self-titled LP was, it was really just a glimpse of what Bullet Proof Lovers might someday become. Here we receive the band in full maturity - replete with massive production befitting those thundering drums and guitars louder than the law should allow. Early '80s arena rock is still a logical point of reference (check out the album bookends "I Am My Radio" and "Radioactive Love"), but with this record I'm also feeling the fury and power of Detroit/Aussie punk. Baker, often pigeonholed as a "pop" guy, ably steps into the role of the strong-piped rock god frontman. 

Shot Through The Heart is such a satisfying listen because it allows Bullet Proof Lovers to play to their strengths and just rip into these songs. Guitarists Costa and Irazu sound like they're literally trying to set the world on fire, and that rhythm section is an absolute powerhouse. The material, without a doubt, perfectly suits the band's particular set of skills. "Ain't No Joke" lives up to its title 100 percent, while "Not Your Toy" is the kind of keyboard-driven glammy footstomper that ought to blow the doors off of every dive bar from Madrid to Hamburg. From well-crafted ballads ("One Last Night") to crank-it-to-11 rockers ("On Overdrive") to consummate area rock power pop ("All I Want"), this album delivers the full range of goods. 

It's a glorious thing in this day and age to still encounter bands that above all else just want to rock. It's even better when quality hooks and a ton of melody are a major part of the equation. Bullet Proof Lovers represent a time in our world when rock n' roll was all about fun and aspiring to a radio hit was no crime. They've got the chops, they've got the attitude, and for damn sure they've got the songs! Shot Through The Heart is available on vinyl from Ghost Highway Recordings, and Rum Bar Records will have the CD release coming soon. With the arrival of this album and the new one from Wyldlife, 2017 is looking like the Year of Rock! 



-L.R.

https://bulletprooflovers.bandcamp.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/bulletprooflovers 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VXNHVYLfjHBXRxVK2akKA
https://ghosthighwayrecordings.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GhostHighwayRecordings/

New Kurt Baker album!

The man is back! If it seems like it wasn't that long ago that I was reviewing Kurt Baker's last album, that's because it wasn't! Play It Cool was released just 13 months ago, and Baker has already followed it up with the fantastic In Orbit! Out on Stevie Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records, In Orbit is Baker's first studio album to feature his kick-ass Spanish touring band (Jorge Colldan on lead guitar, Juancho López on bass, and Sam Malakian on drums - along with the great Kris Rodgers contributing keyboards on the majority of the tracks!). And while this is a Kurt Baker album, it has a slightly different feel compared to the previous ones. Of course it's packed with massive hooks and catchy choruses recalling the heyday of power pop/FM rock crossover. But this is by far the most rockin' KB release to date - incorporating a lot more '60s garage/R & B/British Invasion influences and highlighting The Combo's well-honed bar band chops. Essentially Baker has doubled down on the more "live" energy of Play It Cool while still fully exhibiting his mastery of the three-minute pop song. Close your eyes, and there's a hot band right in front of you putting on a rip-roaring rock n' roll show!

In Orbit is as strong and diverse of a collection of songs as Kurt Baker has ever delivered. If you're looking for a pure power pop album or a pure garage/rock n' roll album, you might be disappointed. But if you're seeking the perfect mix of both, this is it! "Baby's Gone Bad", with its driving beat, knockout chorus, and ripping guitar solo, was the obvious choice for the album's first single. "Do It For You" is one of those rare examples of power pop with actual power! "Count On Me" and "Ugly Way To Be" dig deep into the roots of rock n' roll, while the 1-2 punch of "Modern Day Rock 'N' Roll Girl" and "Next Tomorrow" falls into the category of "vintage" Kurt Baker. The latter track is probably my favorite of the album. Also under heavy consideration is "Rusty Nail" - a high-energy soul raver that's sure to ignite non-stop dancing wherever it's heard.

Counting solo releases and bands in which he's a primary member, the number of Kurt Baker reviews on this blog has now reached double figures! If I had to name an "MVP" among the current generation of rock n' rollers, Baker would be my choice. He's a fine singer, a tremendous songwriter, and a steadfast believer in using music to make the world a more fun place. For an artist this prolific, it's remarkable how consistently killer his releases are. The man could be forgiven for phoning in a song or two, but he's just not wired that way. Heck, even his B-sides collection was better than a lot of bands' best albums! Good on Little Steven for recognizing his talent and exposing his music to a satellite radio audience that literally numbers in the millions. So yeah: great rock n' roll is still being made, and it's still being played on the radio! In Orbit is available digitally from iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. and on vinyl directly from Wicked Cool!



-L.R.

https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic/
https://kurtbaker.bandcamp.com/
wickedcoolrecords.com
https://www.facebook.com/WickedCoolRecords/

New tune from Bullet Proof Lovers!

So the blog has been pretty quiet lately due to me being consumed by summer courses at school. I ought to be back to more regular posting by early August. In the meantime, here's a killer track for you to check out! I first reported on San Sebastián, Spain's Bullet Proof Lovers last summer. These guys do THE BEST mix of power pop and hook-laden arena rock, and they're sounding better than ever on this new tune. Yes, that's the great Kurt Baker on lead vocals...backed by Luiyi Costa (Txorlitohead, Lolas Club), Joseba Arza (Brigada Criminal, Señor No, Ladislao), Gonzalo Ibañez (Nuevo Catecismo Católico, La Perrera), and Juan Irazu (Discipulos de Dionisos, Gran Yate Especial). "I Am My Radio" is a teaser for the band's forthcoming LP Shot Through The Heart - which will be a joint release between Rum Bar Records and Spain's Ghost Highway Recordings. If this song is any indication of what to expect from the album, it's gonna be hot! Fans of loud guitars, huge hooks, and the unmistakable voice of Kurt Baker ought to press play and enjoy!



-L.R.

https://ghosthighwayrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/bullet-proof-lovers-7inch-from-the-upcoming-lp-shot-through-the-heart
https://bulletprooflovers.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bulletprooflovers/