The Brigadier and Oister

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The Brigadier

The Brigadier “Wash away the day”

The Welsh-born Brigadier is singer/songwriter Matt Williams, and I’ve been reviewing his work for many years. This time Matt has upped his game with his latest LP; the energetic rocker “I Know You’re The One For Me Baby” sounds like a mix of Martin Newell and Allen Clapp, with a smart guitar break amid the joyful middle eight. The harmonies in the chorus of the gentle “Rainy Day Friend” are both smooth and infectious.

The upbeat theme continues with the jangle guitar on “Feel Like Something” with its catchy melody and “Keep Your Ego Down” is a bit of self-therapy that you can hum along to. The ballads are thoughtful without wallowing and a little guitar instrumental like “Cabriolet” keeps the energy level up. Other gems include “Let The Anger Go,” and the title track, with its chorus of “Gonna Feel Good/Yeah.” Other than a few odd tracks (like a disco number) I have to say this is the best Brigadier album I’ve heard in a long time. Highly Recommended.

Amazon


Oister

Oister “Pre-Dwight Twilley Band 1973-74 Teac Tapes”

Oister was the original name of the Dwight Twilley Band, but the name was promptly changed by producer Denny Cordell (Procol Harum) at Shelter Records before the band released any recordings. However, the rare beginnings of Twilley’s Tulsa power pop sound are evident on these 20 demo tracks released by Hozac Records.

The music at times resembles Big Star, the nascent “Lovin’ Me” has a Beatlesque boogie with piano rhythm and Twilley’s distinct vibrato. The double-tracked acoustic “You Were So Warm” is an early jangle ballad, and the country bassline on “Like You Did Before” really gets at Twilley’s distinctive songwriting style. With 20 tracks here the chemistry between Twilley and partner Phil Seymour is evident, but many of these tracks aren’t that memorable. The quality of the Teac Tapes are mostly good, but songs like “Hot Mama,” are mere sketches. Like the posthumous demos released by Pete Ham (Badfinger), there is a real demand for this “lost” power pop. Oister is a similar discovery and it’s made for fans and completists.

Amazon

King Washington and Son of Skooshny

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King Washington

King Washington “Potential”

Los Angeles-based rock group King Washington is one of the most polished bands today, playing with a soulful passion and solid craftsmanship few can match. While “My Reflection” is a suitably understated opener, it tees up the amazing harmonies in the chorus of “Superman” guaranteed to give goosebumps. This is followed by the grand love song “Evelyn” played with layered guitars and that deep bass, recalling a Brian Wilsonesque majesty.

However, those great moments are settled between lesser songs, like “Love Be Gone!” and “Nowhere’s Hard To Find.” Surprisingly the band excels at slow building epics “Hey Boy” and “I Wouldn’t Laugh About It,” that starts very quiet and builds up into a rich, loud tapestry of sound. “Where You Belong” is a solid gem that draws from folk and alt-country-rock, sounding like they have claimed the mantle once owned by The Eagles. This feeling is reinforced by the slide-guitar closer “Climb Out Of The Valley.” Overall, this band is just too talented to ignore.

Amazon

Son of Skooshny

Son of Skooshny “Matchless Gifts 2006-2016”

While I don’t often review “greatest hits” packages, I will make an exception for the underappreciated Son of Skooshny. Son of Skooshny is a spin-off featuring Skooshny frontman Mark Breyer with producer–collaborator Steve Refling, then add the rest of the band; Bruce Wagner (guitar, keyboards, vocals), and David Winogrond (drums).

What sets this band apart from the rest is the modest approach and handcrafted jangle stylings to roots rock that compares well with Tom Petty, REM and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. Many favorites are included in the retrospective of the last ten years, mine are “No Ho,” “Dizzy” and “Knee Deep.” But you’d be hard pressed to find a wasted note here. Highly Recommended.

Kool Kat Musik

Singles: Phil Ajjarapu, Radio Days, Bryan Estepa, Bill DeMain and Lannie Flowers

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I rarely promote singles on Power Popaholic, but enough of my favorite artists came out with new materials this month, so consider this one of those rare times:

Phil Ajjarapu “I Got a Feeling / Kimberly”
“I Got A Feeling” was cut from the final track listing of Ajjarapu’s album Sing Along Until You Feel Better to make room for the title track, which was written after the sessions with Ken Stringfellow. “Kimberly” was recorded in the same session.

Radio Days “I’m in Love With You, Haruka” is a new song and the B-side is a cover of the classic theme “Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones. The band goes on a European tour this summer.

Bryan Estepa “Rattled and Rolled” is a true collaboration between Aussie musicians Bryan Estepa and Michael Carpenter. Profits from the sales of this single will go to The Heart Foundation.

“Leroy Boy,” a song from Bill DeMain‘s upcoming album Transatlantic Romantic is a loving tribute/sequel to Todd Rundgren’s classic “We Gotta Get You A Woman” from 1970. Lots of fun and I can’t wait for the full-length release.

 

Lannie Flowers is back, and not a moment too soon. “Kiss a Memory” and  “Everything a Man Could Want” have everything power pop fans have come to expect from Lannie; a  strong melody and enviable riffs that encourage air guitar play-along.
Get it at CD Baby | Spyderpop Records

 

Memorial Day EPs: The Smart Folk, Wishing Rock, The Morning Line, Angelo Celli

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Yeah The Smart Folk are another brand of 60s-inspired mod, pop and indie-rock, the six songs tell stories of traveling, identity and the uniqueness of Australian leisure time. This has plenty of summer jangly, melodic guitar and is perfect for a lazy, sunny afternoon.

Wishing Rock is a hard rock band from Baltimore. “17 Seconds” is bright start, even if the vocals are a bit muddled. The band mellows out on latter tracks like “Piscataway.” Hey, and its a FREE download – so enjoy.

The Morning Line brings a chunky West Coast rock to the table. The lead vocalist  Peter Craft reminds me of Ed Roland (Collective Soul.) “Anybody Else” and “All Mine” are very catchy jangle-pop gems — so check it out and yes it’s also a FREE download.

Angelo Celli (Bracket) has some simple acoustic guitar songs here, but like most of Celli’s tunes they are good. Really like those multi-tracked vocal melodies and another FREE download for your Memorial Day BBQ.

Nine Violets and The EyeRollers

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Nine Violets

Nine Violets “Chapter One”

After an appearance at IPO Liverpool, I was impressed by the big single “I Will Let You Down,” so I contacted Nine Violets lead singer Matt Johnson and promptly agreed to distribute the band’s unsigned debut. “I Will Let You Down” has a Beatlesque feel, catchy hook, and the follow up “24-7” is a driving jangle pop gem. Matt recorded everything with partner Paul Copley at Laurel House Studios in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

A strong melody and strings support the compelling “Same Old Story.” The ballad “Mrs. Happy” has the uncanny feel of a lost Hollies tune and Matt sounding very much like Alan Clarke. “Sonnet” channels Oasis with its layered production and the Beatle-isms are subtle with the exception of the obvious “Ballad of The Beatles” and “Sgt. Major.” While a few tracks could use more polish (Nice backing vocals on “Still Crazy” are nearly inaudible) the songs are well structured and well worth a recommendation. This debut is a perfect example of getting the scoop on a band before they get really big.

Bandcamp exclusive

The EyeRollers

The EyeRollers “Hidden Holidays”

Hard rocking power pop from Hamilton, Ontario – and the band just completed a tour with The Nines.  The EyeRollers have taken The Cheap Trick template and added a modern twist here, and while the opener “Both Ways” is a pretty MOR rock tune, the follow up “Turn Around” is a fantastic example of melodic rock and roll with a great hook.

“Majorica” also features a great guitar riff and plenty of vocal personality with its psyche-pop sheen. “How Would I Know?” and “Back In School” have a heavier vibe and are also keepers. “Till You are Gone” starts almost ballad-like, and then turns into a Nirvana tune. The album is a short 7 songs, but what they lack in quantity, they make up in quality here. It also helps that the production and mixing are stellar. Overall, another damn fine debut. Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp