The Return of the Splits

splitterI always thought I was in the know for the Finnish rock n’ roll scene, though it’s clear I’ve still got some things to learn, as I haven’t been too acquainted with the Splits, though they’re set to release their second album via Dirtnap Records.  There’s a vicious opening, that some might even call brash.  But, don’t let that set you off, as there’s multiple vocal parts, balancing out the angst-ridden punk growl with a solid pop croon.  It’s an energetic tune, filled with fun times and attitude; look for II on April 21st.

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Guantanamo Baywatch Brings Twang and Swing

unnamed-5If you didn’t catch the last release from Guantanamo Baywatch, then go hit up Dirtnap Records and see if they have any copies of Chest Crawl laying around.  The odds are that they don’t, which is probably why the band’s been snatched up by Suicide Squeeze for their new album, Darling It’s Too Late.  The band has always had a knack for building unity between punk and surf, but here they really spin it into an old school pop rock sound, the likes that had your parents (or my old folks) creating babies.  It’s passionate and soulful (thanks to some help from Curtis Harding), yet it’s oh so gritty and real. Look for the record to hit stores on May 12th.

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Another Track from Legendary Wings

wingsTotally bummed. Really wanted to pick up the new Legendary Wings LP at the local shop this week, but production has been delayed.  But, at least the dudes at Dirtnap Records have opted to toss out another track that’ll get you pumped for the eventual release of Do You See.  It’s a blistering tune with a devil-may-care attitude, with the track bounding through with an emphatic bit of energy.  Beneath the grit is some nice pop-sensibility, making the song, and the future album, worth every bit of excitement it deserves. The album should be available shortly, but until then, blame Jack White.

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Hell Yes! New Tune from Legendary Wings

legendI can’t tell you how excited I was to find out that Legendary Wings were putting out a new album on Dirtnap Records. I loved their 2012 effort Making Paper Roses, and the first single from their new LP has me thirsting for the entire thing.  It’s got an infectious hook; it’s got this bubbling bass line working beneath it all; it’s the perfect blend that I call garage-a-ma-power-pop-punk (new genre fyi). I don’t want this song to end, yet sadly, like all good things, it has to, leaving me anticipating this LP more than any other at the moment. Do You See will be out on November 11th.

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Sorry I Missed This: New Neighborhood Brats

bratmobileMy first experience with Neighborhood Brats was that one-off 7″ they did with Dirtnap Records last year, so it’s been a short wee bit since I’ve heard from the group.  But, I just got their new album in the mail, so I’m bummed I must have missed this driving new tune.  It’s a pretty straight shooting number; there’s not any frills, just pure substance. The lyrics offer up a “fuck the kids, fuck the new,” giving us a glimpse at that bratty attitude from which the group derives their name.  You can catch their new LP on September 29th by way of Deranged Records; it’s titled Recovery.

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Power Pop from Sugar Stems

sugarIf you’re a music fan like me, then perhaps nothing works you up quite like huge hooks and soaring melodies.  If that’s the case, then you’re going to love this new single from Sugar Stems.  It’s our first listen to the band’s new album, Only Come Out at Night, and I’ll be damned if this isn’t the perfectly executed anthemic power-pop that warms my heart.  Betsy’s vocals have a slight hint of attitude, but the rest of the group is just kicking out these huge sounds; it’s the most polished bit of power-pop I’ve heard in some time.  You can grab their new record from reliable Dirtnap Records on July 22nd.

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New Jam from Steve Adamyk Band

steveadamykEarlier this year I ran into a new 7″ from Steve Adamyk Band.  I was immediately excited, as a new single usually indicates a full-length is on its way.  That was just the case, as Dirtnap Records have announced that they’ll be releasing the new record from the group, Dial Tone.  This track is quick and to the point, which encapsulates my ideas about the group; they offer up a good dosage of punk rock in quick spurts, always bringing hooks that make their albums playable time and time again.  You can get your copy of the record on July 1st.

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Sonic Avenues – Mistakes

sonicavsRating: ★★★½☆

In 2012 I was stuck with Television Youth on constant repeat; every where I went I was humming along to the melodies and playing air drums.  Suffice it to say, the arrival of Mistakes. the band’s latest effort for Dirtnap Records,  comes with a lot of anticipation on my end.  Sonic Avenues deliver, as I expected, offering up 11 songs of power-pop that are executed perfectly.

“Waiting for Change” begins with a screech of feedback, followed by some understated strumming, but then it jumps into delivery of ringing guitars and hook-laden melodies.  If you were looking for a great answer to the sorely missed Exploding Hearts, then songs like this are precisely why I consider Sonic Avenues to be one of the best acts to have picked up that torch. But, while they do nod their, they’re also making things a bit noisier, exemplified in the track “Automatic.”  It’s a faster paced banger, and the vocals, while still maximizing pop sensibility, are sung in a more hap-hazard fashion.   The next few tracks live in the same realm, with a darker guitar found on “New Vogues,” but I also wanted to see where the band mixed things up a bit.

On Mistakes, “Better Days to Come” brings some respite from the energy-fueled pop that’s been coming through your speakers.  Personally, I’ve found that the guitars, building through two different sounds creates a nice effect, allowing for the group to bring you a nice little power-ballad, though not in the cheesy since.  It allows your toes to take a rest before you tap them off.  You’ll find a similar book-end to the record when you arrive at “Lost & Found.”  It’s not quite the same ballad, but the relaxed approach is very much a part of these two tracks.

For my money, I’d find yourself stuck in tracks 6-8.  My two favorite songs, “In Your Head” and “Too Late” are located here.  The first is really just an excellent jam; I love how the song breaks down just after the two-minute mark, then builds itself back into infectious churning guitar noise.  “Too Late” on the other hand pushes you into rock mode right from the get-go.  The drums are pounding furiously, and you’ll find yourself swept up in the song instantly.  Check out the rad guitar moves knifing through at the 1 minute mark.

If you want a record that makes you feel good about loving rock n’ roll, then you really need to head out and pick up a copy of Mistakes this week.  Sure, there’s a lot of bands out there doing similar things musically, but for me, the Sonic Avenues are one of the best.  From the way the songs are mixed to the unending energy contained in each track, you just can’t get much better than this.

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Another Jam from Sonic Avenues

sonicavenuesI’ve got to admit that the more I hear from Sonic Avenues new release, the more I know I’m going to get stuck rocking to this release for quite some time, just like their last LP.  If it’s not the guitars, then it’s the way they recorded the vocals, giving them a sensation of being done live.  There’s even a small little breakdown that builds into this burst of pure power-pop.  Mistakes is the title of the new record, and it’ll be out on April 15th via Dirtnap Records.  I’m going to nerd out so hard when I hear this LP.

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New Music from Sonic Avenues

sonicEver since playing my way through two copies of Television Youth I’ve been waiting for the next record from Sonic Avenues.  They offer up this infectious power-pop that carefully walks the line between punk and pop, though not in that cheesy teenage manner.  It’s fitting that the band is releasing their next album, Mistakes, on Dirtnap Records again; it’s the home of other like-minded acts such as The Marked Men or Low Culture. You can grab what is sure to be an excellent record on April 15th when it hits the stores.

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