Tag: Pop/Rock

Wons Phreely+The Horses Release Charming New Video for “The Faithful Heart”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews20 Comments

If there was ever to be a song that could pull me out of my post-election funk, “The Faithful Heart” by Wons Phreely (the musical moniker of singer-songwriter Justin Wonsley) – along with its accompanying video – is it. Though originally released this past January, I’d not heard the song until seeing a post on his Instagram account last week about a new video he was releasing for it, and I loved it at once. The song is delightfully melodic and heartwarming, and the video’s utterly charming. I’ve now watched it numerous times, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face, something I can really use right now.

Born and raised in Perth, Australia where he began his music career, Wons Phreely relocated to Los Angeles in 2015 in search of a more dynamic and varied artistic environment where he could grow as a musician and artist. I first learned about him in September 2016, when his PR rep reached out to me about his autobiographical single “Stars”, which he recorded with his backing band The Horses. I happily reviewed the song, as well as two of his subsequent singles, “The Night Has An Alibi” in early 2018 and “Restless to Run” in 2020. (You can check out those reviews under the “Related” links at the end of this post.) Both “Stars” and “The Night Has An Alibi” ended up placing on my Top 100 Songs lists for 2016 and 2018, respectively.

Wons wrote the lyrics for “The Faithful Heart”, with the beautiful music written by singer-songwriter and musician David Skeet (who’s one half of the music duo Winter Swim and also produced and mixed the track). I love that opening piano and those chiming and jangly guitars, as well as Wons’ earnest vocals and lovely harmonic choruses. He said he was inspired to write the song after thinking of a childhood friend he’d grown up with in Australia who, like himself, had moved on to a bigger city in search of greater opportunities and figuring out how to make their way through life, which is expressed in the poignant lyrics:

Restless nights of teenage lust
Racing beat up cars in parking lots
Longing to find that place
When you’re young you must run
When we’re old could you hold me love cos

On and on and on this faithful heart will beat stronger
Now we’ve got so something good, it wont be long before we’ve begun
And we’ll live how we want to, the life we were born to

Here’s the track on Bandcamp:

Wons has earned a bit of a reputation for his highly inventive and often unconventional music videos. A good example is the brilliant video he made for “The Night Has An Alibi”, in which he’s portrayed throughout the video as only a head. For “The Faithful Heart”, he drew inspiration from some of the quirky and wildly-popular one-shot videos by American alternative pop-rock band OK Go, and challenged himself to dance on film. He explains “At first, dancing in a one-shot video felt like it might be a little too great a challenge, especially since I can’t really dance. Then I remembered a 1965 quote from Bob Dylan where he said, ‘I think of myself as a song and dance man.’ Something about that resonated with me, so we thought, ‘Challenge accepted.’“

With the help of choreographer friends, Wons and his band spent months coming up with inventive dance steps for a non-dancer like himself, with two of the guys guiding him through an endearing and entertaining routine as if he were a human-sized puppet. Once they mastered the choreography, they turned their attention to finding the right location to shoot the video, which in Los Angeles is always a challenge, especially when you’re on a tight budget. Wons elaborates: “Around Hollywood, there’s really no place where you can shoot for free. Some of the old motels make more money from commercial and movie shoots than they do from their actual motel business. So we spent days scouting public locations that we thought would look great for a video. We had to plan carefully for when the managers weren’t around, because we couldn’t afford the location fees, and shooting permits in LA are crazy expensive.”

After much searching, they found the ideal spot: a Laundromat that would provide the perfect backdrop for their dance sequence, even if it didn’t quite come with official permission to shoot. Of course, dancing in a public place presented its own set of challenges—some expected, others not so much. “I was ready for people to walk into the shot and start doing their laundry. We thought that would be kind of cool if it happened,” Wons recalls. “But I didn’t anticipate how hard it would be to concentrate on the choreography with people just stopping and staring at me. It was a pretty wild experience, trying to pull this off without technically having permission. We got away with a lot without making anyone upset, but honestly, it was all a blur.” They had to act quickly, knowing that security could show up at any moment. With only one shot to get it right, the pressure was on. But despite the potential for chaos, they managed to capture the perfect take. Enjoy!

Social Media Links:  Facebook / Twitter/X / Instagram / TikTok
Find his music on Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music / Soundcloud / Bandcamp

RAKER – Single Review: “Hologram”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews12 Comments

On my previous post, I commented about the rapid passage of time, which I was yet again reminded of when Mike Sarasti, one half of Miami-based indie pop-rock duo Raker, reached out to me about their new single “Hologram“. I was shocked to discover that seven and a half years have passed since I last wrote about them on this blog, when I reviewed their debut single “Gospel” (which I liked so much that it ended up on my 100 Best Songs of 2017 list). Now, after a very long hiatus, Raker, which consists of Sarasti on guitar and lead vocals and Andy Rodriguez on bass and backing harmonies, are back making music and I couldn’t be happier. 

I asked Mike for a bit of background about the song, and he graciously provided this detailed and thoughtful response: “A few years ago I was exploring a new city at night (I was visiting Detroit). It was one of those pensive, reflective, wandering walks. Down a seemingly solitary street, I noticed colored light coming from the door of an unmarked, blacked-out storefront. I opened the door and found a hidden tiki-style bar. The moment felt a bit magical, like a “ghost bar” seeming to appear from out of nowhere, existing slightly outside of time and space. This is the backdrop for the track and much of the upcoming album… A wandering spirit, reflecting in familiar spaces, but you cant quite pinpoint why… existing somewhat out of time, popping in and out of memory and the urgency of the present… realism, but magical realism.

‘Hologram’ toggles between the uncertain exploration of that city street, and remembering/returning to the sense of home – ‘safe in your arms’, the sense that even the persistent wanderer has a safe space to return to. Themes that you’ll hear through the collection of songs… time, memory, a sense of agency, hope, anchoring ourselves to the people we love, reflecting on your story, and not letting other people tell it for you. ‘Hologram’ feels like the cinematic introduction to this world which is why we’re releasing it first.“

“Hologram” is a beautiful song, and I really like its breezy melody and colorful arrangement. Highlights for me are the magical synths and fluttering keyboards, accompanied by fuzzy guitars that provide a wonderful textural contrast. Andy’s chugging bassline provides a sturdy rhythmic foundation for the track without overpowering the proceedings. All sorts of charming little musical touches and sounds are sprinkled throughout, adding to the song’s overall enchanting vibe. Mike has a lovely singing voice, and his warm vocals are both pleasing and comforting as he sings of feeling safe in a loved one’s arms.

It’s good to have Raker back, and “Hologram” marks a fine return for this talented duo. I look forward to hearing more music from them soon.

Stare out into nothing.
A hundred and something feelings in tandem collide.
Split into sections.
Speaking in fractions.
I need direction… so I look to the light in your eyes.

Here I am safe in your arms.
And here with you’s the best that I am.
Hold me cause I need to feel
More than a Hologram  

Out here, the city breaks
Another ghost bar in the night
Maybe here I'll find forgiveness, maybe here I’ll find what’s right
Street lights, they pierce right through me
‘cause I’m strange projected light.
Faded stories with no answers
Sad songs to feel alright

Now Here I am safe in your arms.
Here with you is the best that I am.
Hold me cause I need to feel
More than a Hologram

Raker’s Socials:  X / Instagram / TikTok

Find their music on Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / YouTube

OLI BARTON – Single Review: “You Just Played My Mind”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews6 Comments

Anyone having even a cursory knowledge of the music industry knows that the UK is blessed with a plethora of talented music artists and bands, ranging from legendary acts to independent ones known  only to a local following, and everything in between. One of my personal favorites is London-based singer-songwriter Oli Barton, an exceptionally talented and creative guy who’s been making music for nearly eight years, both as front man of his backing band the Movement, and more recently as a solo artist. Oli’s music, released via his independent label Coke & Dagger Records, has been featured many times on BBC Radio, and he’s supported such acts as Starsailor, Kid Kapichi, and Baxter Dury. I’ve been following him since early 2017, and over the past seven years have featured him eight times on this blog, most recently in February when I reviewed his single “It’s Over Now”, which has become his most popular track in terms of streaming numbers. 

Photo by Alice Denny

His eccentric yet sophisticated style of alternative rock is a colorful mix of post-punk and psychedelia, fortified with touches of funk, pop and grunge, and I can honestly state that I’ve loved every single one of his songs. Five of them have appeared on my Weekly Top 30 charts – the provocative 2017 single “Kinky”, which went all the way to #1, as well as “44”, “Martyr”, “Just Like Always” and “Paid Off”, all of which reached the top 5. Now the dangerously charismatic charmer is back with “You Just Played My Mind“, which is also being released as a B-side to “It’s Over Now” in a limited edition 7-inch vinyl pressing of 100 copies. The vinyl copies, which will become available on September 24th, can be pre-ordered from his Website.

For recording of the song, Barton was joined by former bandmates Jamal Aggoun on guitar, Marco “Fuzz” Paone on bass and Josh Needham on drums, all of whom he complimented “I really wanted to make a more aggressive, gnarly track and I think the lads smashed it out here.” The track was produced by Alex O’ Donovan, who also played additional percussion, arranged and tracked by Jules Gulon, engineered by Luke Ferrero, mixed by Cenzo Townshend and Robert Sellens, and mastered by Barry Grint.

Drawing inspiration from doomed romances plagued by extreme incompatibility, Oli’s lyrics explore the conflicting emotions of two people who just don’t work together. “Well it’s been a while since I’ve seen a style that’s quite like yours./ Well the way you spoke, well it broke my heart. And you know that someday I’ll be calling you, and know that you just played my mind.”

Musically, the song is an exhilarating rock banger that’s every bit as good as “It’s Over Now”. I really like the opening dark and ominous reverb-drenched gnarly guitar riff, and how the song quickly explodes into a raging beast, courtesy of Jamal’s distorted guitars, Marco’s powerful driving bass and Josh’s explosive drums, before settling down to sultry verses, beautifully sung by Oli’s distinctive accented vocals that I adore. I’ve long admired the ace musicianship of the above-named musicians, but they really take things to the next level here. Jamal’s multi-textured guitar work is fantastic, and the strength and dexterity of Josh’s drumming are a thing of wonder. As always, Oli’s colorful vocals are incredibly satisfying, running the gamut from sensuous croons to spine-tingling impassioned wails. Also, I must compliment the engineers and producers who contributed their respective talents on this track for the outstanding clarity of the instrumentation and overall sound quality.

“You Just Played My Mind” is much more than your typical B-Side, and those who purchase the 7-inch vinyl copy will be getting two equally great songs in one package.

Oli Barton’s Socials:  Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok

Find his music on Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon Music / YouTube / Soundcloud

WESTERN JAGUAR – Single Review: “Repossess”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews25 Comments

Hailing from the Fraser River Valley, east of the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, is Western Jaguar, the music project of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Trainor. Skillfully blending indie rock, dream pop and shoegaze, he writes songs exploring common themes of life, love, emotional well-being and loss, expressed through poetic, relatable lyrics which he delivers with pleasing low-key vocals. I’ve been following him for nearly six years, and have featured him and his music three times on this blog, most recently in July 2023 when I reviewed his beautiful album Oblivion. Two of his songs, “Disappear” (2019) and “Darling” (2023) have reached #1 on my Top 30 chart.

Trainor formed Western Jaguar in 2012, and since 2013 has released two EPs and four albums as both a solo artist and a band made up of an evolving lineup of musicians. His most recent album, released March 1st, was Ranges: 2013-2023, a sort of greatest hits album containing ten tracks Trainor describes as “a quintessential crash course of the first ten years of Western Jaguar.” Now he’s back with a terrific new single “Repossess“, which will be included on his forthcoming album Vacationland. For the recording of the track, he sang vocals and played guitars, bass, synths and percussion, and fellow musician Ted Kim played drums. Trainor produced and mixed the track, while Ryan Niklas handled mastering.

About “Repossess”, Trainor says it’s “about growing up and the struggles that go along with the pressures of being an adult. It reflects on losing the joys and carefree nature of adolescence, while also bemoaning the constant weight, and pressure adulthood provides. In the end, we all want someone to walk along side us in this life; someone to help “repossess” the joy we once had and lost.”

Musically, the song serves up the signature mellow shoegaze vibes we’ve come to love and expect from Western Jaguar. His intricate guitar work is lovely, with a colorful mix of shimmery strummed notes and edgier riffs layered over a gentle, pulsating bassline and accompanied by Kim’s spirited drums that nicely complement the other instruments without overpowering them. As always, Trainor’s earnest vocals exude a heartfelt vulnerability that’s quite endearing as he laments “Feeling like a jerk in a tropical shell. I can’t keep throwing back pill after pill. I’m swimming to a future, but drowning in my past. I just want to prove that I can make it last.”

Western Jaguar’s Socials:  Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok

Find his music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / YouTube

DeltaWulf – Single Review: “I Will Do the Same”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews9 Comments

DeltaWulf is the music project of English singer-songwriter, producer and engineer James Booth. Based in Lancashire, his lively style of rock is influenced by the music of artists like Tom Petty, Eddie Money and Bryan Adams, as well as R&B rhythms and hooks. He’s previously toured with such artists as The Struts, The Pigeon Detectives and New City Kings with his former band Titans Troubadours, and in late 2018, decided to pursue his own sound by forming DeltaWulf. From what I can tell, he records all the instruments himself, and has released a handful of songs on and off over the past six years, including the lovely and heartfelt “You Came at a Time” in 2021 and the hard-driving “Game Changer” this past March.

His latest single is “I Will Do The Same“, a dynamic rock song about falling out of love, with bitter lyrics describing two people who’ve made the painful decision to split up and go their separate ways. It appears DeltaWulf originally released the song back in November 2018, but decided to re-release it on May 19th. The song is both catchy and melodic, and to my ears has a compelling guitar-driven indie rock vibe reminiscent of some of the great songs of the 90s by acts like the Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Goo Goo Dolls.

Booth’s guitar work is really outstanding, featuring a vibrant array of textures running the gamut from beautifully-strummed twangy notes to shimmery guitar runs to reverb-soaked gnarly riffs, all of which are accompanied by driving bass and lively percussion. His earnest vocals are pleasing, yet imbued with a rawness that conveys feelings of exasperation and a sad resignation expressed in the lyrics:

Back here, where we have been before
I open up the door, and you come rolling in
There was a time when I would have been glad
To give everything I had just to lay beside you

A dignifying feeling, elevated breathing, anxiety decreasing, freed you from me
I watch you from the ceiling
I'm no longer breathing
Now's the time for leaving
Would you not agree?

Absolution from the chaos in my brain
Finally I find some shelter from the rain
There was a time I thought of giving you my name 
But you can't take your part that I will do the same

DeltaWulf’s Socials:  Facebook / Instagram 

Find his music on Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon Music / deezer / Napster

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 32 – Bottlecap Mountain, Josephine Pascoe, Lissy Taylor, Loud Hound

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews13 Comments

Artists and bands I follow on social media continue to release new music at a dizzying pace, so in order to try and showcase even some of it, it’s time for another Fresh New Tracks installment. Today, I’m featuring four recently-released songs by, in alphabetical order – Texas rock’n’roll band Bottlecap Mountain, English musician and composer Josephine Pascoe, English singer-songwriter Lissy Taylor, and New Jersey singer-songwriter Loud Hound, all of them quite prolific in their musical output. I’ve previously written about Josephine Pascoe and Loud Hound, while this is the first time I’m featuring Bottlecap Mountain and Lissy Taylor. So let’s get to it!

BOTTLECAP MOUNTAIN – “I’ve Got Loving For You”

Bottlecap Mountain is a self-described “24 Carat Rock & Roll” band from Austin, Texas, comprised of Stewart Gersmann (lead vocals, lead guitar), Chris Stangland (bass), Yvonne Love (organ, backing vocals), Doug Pena (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Ray Flynt (drums). Their sound is a happy mix of alternative, garage and indie rock, infused with generous doses of power pop and classic rock & roll, accompanied by honest, thought-provoking and relatable lyrics delivered with pleasing vocals and wonderful harmonies.

Over the past 10 years, the prolific band has released six full-length albums, their most recent being their brilliant 0! Fantastik Melancholy last year. Today they return with “I’ve Got Loving For You”, the first single from their upcoming seventh album Electric Love Spree, due out this summer. The song opens with sounds of a revving motorcycle engine, then we’re off to the races with a cool, retro-sounding rock & roll gem that harkens back to some of the great songs of the 60s and 70s, but with a fresh approach. I love the stabbing guitar notes, spirited drumbeats and abundant crashing cymbals, all layered over a charming organ riff and punctuated here and there with some tasty acoustic and electric guitar work. The straightforward lyrics are a simple yet profound declaration of love, beautifully sung by Stewart and backed by his fellow bandmembers’ warm harmonies.

Follow Bottlecap Mountain:  Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / Threads

JOSEPHINE PASCOE – “Odyssey”

Josephine Pascoe is a classically trained pianist, violinist and flautist based in the London suburbs. With a life-long love of music, she studied at Trinity College of Music in London, where she began composing her own music. She also trained to be a secondary school music teacher, but prefers giving one-on-one instrumental instruction on piano and violin. Since 2017, she’s collaborated with guitarist and producer Neil Thom, who she met the year before when she began taking guitar lessons from him, in the creation of exceptional instrumental music with ever-changing elements of jazz, acid jazz, classical, blues and funk.

Together, they’ve released an impressive amount of singles – 17 to be exact. One of them, “Starfish”, I reviewed last May. Their latest single, released March 23, is “Odyssey“, a beautiful acid jazz instrumental. For the track’s recording, Josephine played piano, strings and flute, while Neil played guitar, bass and drums. Like all their songs, Neil handled production and engineering. Whereas “Starfish” has a spirited dance-oriented feel with a strong lively beat, “Odyssey” is more contemplative and bluesy. I love Josephine’s warm piano keys, soothing strings and lilting flute, and as always, Neil’s bluesy guitars and funky bass provide a marvelous and edgy counterpoint to her more classical-sounding instrumentals.

Follow Josephine: Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / Threads

LISSY TAYLOR – “Life Changing”

Lissy Taylor is a lovely, hard-working young singer-songwriter from Stoke-On-Trent, England. From what I can tell, she’s been releasing music since January 2020, including numerous singles and two EPs. According to her bio, she toured fairly extensively in 2023 in support of such acts as The View, Sea Girls and The Lottery Winners, and performed at the Isle of Wight Festival. Her songs have garnered airplay on Radio 1 Future Alternative, BBC Radio 2, John Kennedy Radio X and Amazing Radio. This year, she’s already played shows in support of Circa Waves and Haiku Hands, and is set to open the mainstage at YNOT Festival ahead of Headliner Noel Gallagher. She was also chosen by an expert panel of artists to perform at Manchester City FC opening for Barclays Women’s Super League on April 21.

Her latest single is “Life Changing“, released on March 15th. The song is an indie rock banger, fueled by an infectious driving beat overlain with a glorious mix of reverb-soaked guitars, humming bass, roiling synths and thunderous drums. Lissy’s vocals, which remind me a bit of fellow English songstress Ellie Goulding, are soft yet commanding here. About the song’s meaning, she elaborates “There’s so many people that go through struggles, myself included, and this song champions pulling yourself through to the otherside. This is a song to cheer you on when there’s doubts and to throw you up in the air when you’re winning. This is the sound of the underdog.”

Follow Lissy:  Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / Threads

LOUD HOUND – “Clumsy”

LOUD HOUND is the music project of Tommy Florio, a talented singer/songwriter from Ventnor City, New Jersey. The silky-voiced artist fuses elements of garage, surf and psych rock with dream pop to create wonderful songs filled with infectious melodies, honest lyrics and irresistible guitar grooves. He’s recorded and released a tremendous amount of music since 2018, including two albums – It’s Okay to Be Lonely Part I in 2022 and It’s Okay to Be Lonely Part II in 2023, as well as more than 20 singles, two of which, “Runnin'” and “Youthful Stranger”, I reviewed. Hard to believe it’s been over five years since I’ve featured him on this blog, so it’s high time I revisit his music.

Since the beginning of this year, he’s been dropping new songs in “waterfall releases”, in which singles are released in a progressive series, with each new release adding to the previous one to eventually create a kind of EP. It seems to be an increasingly popular way artists are releasing their music, as I’ve seen numerous examples of this. LOUD HOUND’s latest release is “Clumsy”, a delightfully catchy song he says he wrote “back in 2020 as a romantic ode to my clumsiness while in pursuit of an uninterested lover.“ It’s a perfect pop-rock tune, with wonderful twangy guitars and swirling keyboards layered over a breezy melody. The lyrics are a heartfelt plea to a woman he desires to love him back: “With your golden smile that made me spill my coffee, I want you forever I’m just a little clumsy. Won’t you come and stay with me? I heard you needed some company. The love that you want and the love that you need, it’s right here baby don’t you see.”

Follow LOUD HOUND: Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 30 – Ben Gorb, Healer, Morning Fuzz, The Nanners

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews13 Comments

It’s been a long while since I last published one of my Fresh New Tracks posts (partly due to the fact I quit writing reviews the last three months of 2023), but with so much new music out, I feel it’s time for a new installment. Today, I’m thrilled to present four excellent recently released songs by, in alphabetic order, British singer-songwriter Ben Gorb, British indie rock band Healer, Long Island, New York alt-rock band Morning Fuzz, and Los Angeles psychedelic indie rock duo The Nanners. I’ve previously written about Healer and Morning Fuzz, whereas Ben Gorb and The Nanners are new to me.

BEN GORB – “Brand New Day”

Photo by Alistair Mac

Ben Gorb is an affable, talented, and very tall singer-songwriter from Manchester, England who, in his early teens, developed a passion for the classic rock of such artists as Jimi Hendrix, The Who and AC/DC that prompted him to take up the guitar. He’s been recording and releasing music since 2014 when he was in his early 20s, and his output since then includes numerous singles, EPs and two albums, Reflections in 2020 and Burning Light in 2021. I like his pleasing, high-energy rock sound, plus he’s also a cat lover, which warms my cat-loving heart! He’s earned quite a following by performing throughout the Northwest and Midlands regions of the UK, both as a solo artist and with his band consisting of Jake Preistley on rhythm guitar, Joseph Shaw on bass and Josh Savage on drums.

He recently reached out to me with his latest single “Brand New Day“, which was released February 20th. He wrote the song, sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar, backed by his aforementioned band members. It’s a rousing kiss-off song addressed to a romantic partner who he tells in no uncertain terms that he’s done with the fights and her putting him down, and that he’s freeing himself of their five-year-long relationship once and for all: “Here I go, I’m on the run. Like a fox from a gun I’ll be gone. I don’t care what you think, I don’t care you say. The future’s mine, it’s the start of a brand new day.” I love the superb guitar work that really channels AC/DC, the tight rhythms, and Ben’s colorful vocals, backed by the guys’ wonderful harmonies.

Follow Ben: Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok

HEALER – “Wake Me Up”

Photo by Misha Warren

HEALER is a five-piece alternative indie rock band based in Grimsby, England, comprised of Steve (lead vocals), Kirk (guitar), Dave (guitar), Tony (bass), and Jazz (drums). Formed in 2022, they’ve already built a strong following in the local music scene on the strength of their outstanding songs and riveting live performances, as well as garnering recognition and airplay on BBC Music Introducing and Amazing Radio UK/USA. Since the release of their debut single “Hurricane” in December 2022, the busy guys have followed with six more singles, one of which, “Bones“, I featured in a Fresh New Tracks post last May. The gorgeous song spent three months on my weekly top 30 and ranks #67 on my 100 Best Songs of 2023 list.

Their latest single “Wake Me Up”, released on February 2nd, is an anthemic rock banger, fueled by roiling guitars and driving rhythms. I must say that I love Steve’s distinctive singing voice that make’s HEALER’s songs immediately identifiable as theirs and no one else’s. About the song, the band explains “’Wake Me Up’ is a song about growing up, it’s about realising how much time you have wasted and hoping it’s not too late to stop the free spirit lifestyle and finally wake up. It also references the noise of the internet, visual media and how life can become one big blur and we sometimes need to wake up and smell the roses.” The imaginative video, which was filmed and edited by Misha Warren, shows a young boy played by Cole Ellis, sitting transfixed as he watches a wall of TV and video screens while wearing a spacesuit, juxtaposed with scenes of HEALER performing the song in a garage amid a bunch of vintage portable TVs.

Follow HEALER: Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok

MORNING FUZZ – “New Moon”

Morning Fuzz is an exceptional band from Long Island, New York formed in 2009, and now comprised of singer/songwriter & guitarist Frank Fussa, bassist Chris Johanidesz, guitarist Michael Cullari and drummer Dan Leonardi. All are outstanding musicians, and together they make highly accessible rock they describe as “fun, bouncy guitar pop, happily shading in the intersections of the Venn diagram where mainstream pop and alternative music meet“, characterized by memorable melodies, ace instrumentation and intelligent lyrics delivered with Fussa’s commanding vocals. Though their musical output has sometimes been sporadic, over the past 15 years they’ve released two EPs, two albums, Chasing Ghosts in 2009 and Wherever We Go (which I reviewed) in 2023, and numerous singles, two of which, “Silent Sun” and “I’ll Be Around” I also reviewed. “Silent Sun” went on to rank #69 on my 100 Best Songs of 2017 list, while “I’ll Be Around” ranks #71 on my 100 Best Songs of 2019 list.

On February 23rd, Morning Fuzz dropped their latest single “New Moon“, the second of two B-Side tracks that didn’t make the final cut of Wherever We Go, but they still wanted to put out into the world. I’m glad they did, as it’s a great song, featuring the band’s signature electrifying guitar work, throbbing bass lines and thumping drumbeats we’ve come to love and expect. I also like that all four band members sing, with Chris, Michael and Dan’s backing harmonies beautifully complementing Frank’s raw, impassioned vocals. The lyrics, which feature quite a bit of earth and celestial metaphors, seem to address a troubled relationship where the singer has checked out emotionally, but chooses to hang on with a remaining thread of hope: “This is the part where I fall, but I just keep hanging on until I can’t feel anymore. I’ll hang around for a while. There’s not a bone to pick; I’ve already gone through the whole pile./ Everyone’s here for the good times, but I stick around for the bad times. Wherever there’s dusk, there’s a sunrise.”

Follow Morning Fuzz:  Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok

THE NANNERS – “New Pony”

Last, but certainly not least, I bring you The Nanners, the wonderfully zany L.A.-based music project of Nicholas Ewing and Thomas Ferraiuolo. From what I can tell, they officially formed last fall (of 2023), and have this to say about themselves: “Welcome to Banana World, where love, curiosity, angst, and nebulous speculations are explored through the lens of two meek and socially awkward grown men in banana costumes.” And while at first glance they might appear to be some kind of weird novelty act, they are in fact fine musicians and songwriters who also happen to be both hilarious and charming. Their pleasing sound is a happy mix of indie rock, psychedelia and dream pop, and I love it.

The duo released their delightful debut single “Sweet Tooth” in December, for which they had their own signature soft drink created, describing it as “the result of 6 years of food science and rigorous flavor profile testing. The ingredients are rare, illegal, and hardly FDA approved. Because they’re so good!” On February 7th, they dropped their second single “New Pony“, an equally delightful song about relaxing at a magical airbnb in the Mojave Desert with unlimited towels. To a mellow groove overlain with gently strummed jangly guitars and delicate sparkling synths, the guys croon in their soothing harmonies: “We’ll bring you more towels and immortality. Check out when you want, it’s a loose policy. We can help you find anything you need in the folds of time, just like magic. I wanna get pampered with you. Bananas get pampered too.” The farcical but sweet video for the song, showing the guys enjoying life and letting loose, was filmed at an actual airbnb in Joshua Tree, about an hour from where I live in the Coachella Valley. You’re in for a treat!

Follow The Nanners: X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok

THE HEADS UP – EP Review: “So Obvious”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews4 Comments

Though Chicago-based power pop trio The Heads Up officially formed in the summer of 2022, its roots go back nearly two decades earlier, when Jack Ruggiero and James O’Connor began playing music together at the age of 13 while still in middle school. Now in their early 30s and wanting to become a serious band, they enlisted the help of their friend Colin Dill and The Heads Up was born, with Ruggiero on guitars, lead vocals and backing instruments, O’Connor on bass and Dill on drums. Dill also plays drums for rock band The Million Reasons (who I’ve previously written about on this blog), as well as cover band Dad’s Night Out.

Jack, Colin & James

Influenced by acts ranging from Vampire Weekend to the Police to R.E.M., Ruggiero says their aim is to play energetic live songs that are both catchy enough so people at a bar could sing along and enjoy, even if they were hearing them for the first time, yet still interesting enough that they wouldn’t be bored by the simplicity. “The idea is to let loose, have fun and make it memorable” – all worthy goals in my book!

They released their debut EP Eponymous! on December 29th, featuring three delightfully catchy tracks that most assuredly achieved their mission. Now, only seven weeks later, they return with a second EP So Obvious, once again featuring three great tracks dealing with relationships that have run their course.

Things kick off with the title track “So Obvious”, and the Vampire Weekend influences are quickly apparent as our ears are treated to a colorful flourish of Ruggiero’s plucked, twangy and shredded guitars, accompanied by O’Connor’s funky bassline and Dill’s rapid, thumping drumbeats. The song has an enthusiastic, high-energy vibe, in sharp contrast with the more serious lyrics about an unpleasant person who’s highly judgmental of others yet cannot handle criticism of her many shortcomings, and always playing the victim to get her way: “Never understated. Constantly degrading. You’re always gonna get your way / Well you weaponized your pride it’s so insidious. The Hermès on your wrists a bit oblivious. And you know you’re gonna play that part again, yes you know you’re gonna play that part again. Oh you’re gonna play that part again, it’s so obvious.“

“Sour Grapes” opens with Dill’s emphatic drumbeats, which are soon joined by Ruggiero’s stabbing guitar before things settle into an upbeat and pleasing cadence in the verses, punctuated with sweet twangy guitar notes. Though it runs only 3:12 minutes, the song is a musical tour de force, with multiple tempo changeups, highlighted by some brilliant little guitar solos and drum flourishes. Ruggiero’s animated vocals are terrific, rising and falling with the music as he tells a romantic partner he’s done with her: “Shove me out the way. I will not complain. Lying lonely sad and sober. Me at the buffet, eating sour grapes. Really I’m so glad it’s over.”

And on “Alright”, Ruggiero confronts someone in denial about a negative situation: “Never understood when you said it’ll be alright. So I never trust a word when you say it’ll be alright. Just a bit disturbed that you said it’ll be alright. When you knew it never would but you said it’ll be alright.” I love the song’s lively, almost frantic groove, punctuated by swirling guitars, thumping bass and smashing drums.

So Obvious is a terrific little EP, and despite its rather bleak subject matter, it’s a fun, light-hearted romp from start to finish. I’m really enjoying the two EPs released thus far by The Heads Up, and can’t wait to hear what they have up their collective sleeves.

And here’s the EP on YouTube:

The Heads Up will be performing their new songs at Snüzfest this Saturday night, February 17th at the Beat Kitchen Bar in Chicago. Get your tickets here.

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Find their music on Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon Music / YouTube

OLI BARTON – Single Review: “It’s Over Now”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews7 Comments
Photo by Alice Denny

Based in South London, England, Oli Barton is a wildly creative and exceptionally talented singer-songwriter, not to mention a dangerously charismatic charmer. Though I’m sorry to say I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing him perform live (him being in the UK and me 5,500 miles away in Southern California), he’s gained a reputation for his wild, uninhibited live shows that Reyt Good Magazine describes as “straight from indie heaven”. Barton has supported such acts as Kid Kapichi, Baxter Dury and Starsailor.

I’ve been following him for seven years, both as front man of his backing band the Movement, and now as a solo artist, and have featured him many times on this blog. (You can read some of those reviews by clicking on the ‘Related’ links at the end of this post.) His eccentric yet sophisticated style of alternative rock is a colorful mix of post-punk and psychedelia, fortified with touches of funk, grunge and pop, and I can state without exaggeration that I’ve loved every single one of his songs. Five of them have appeared on my Weekly Top 30 charts – the provocative 2017 single “Kinky”, which went all the way to #1, as well as “44”, “Martyr”, “Just Like Always” and, most recently, “Paid Off”, all of which reached the top 5.

It’s always a good day when Barton releases new music, and I’m thrilled to present his latest single “It’s Over Now“, released today via Coke & Dagger Records. For the song’s recording, Barton was joined by Jamal Aggoun on guitar, Marco Fuzz Paone on bass and Josh Needham on drums. Produced by Alex O’ Donovan (Sea Girls) and mixed by Cenzo Townshend (Inhaler), the song is an exuberant piece of indie-pop ear candy, with a lively blend of crunchy and shimmery guitars, fortified by deep thumping bass and propulsive drumbeats layered over a rousing, infectious groove. Or, to put it more simply, this song fucking rocks!

I always love Barton’s distinctive, resonant singing voice and rich accent, which he uses to full effect here as he plaintively implores to a romantic partner, asking if what they once shared is truly over, or if there’s still any chance of reconciliation: “Would you say that it’s over now, or should I wait? Would you say that it’s over now, is it too late? Should I stay?”

About the song, Barton says, “it’s in the whole world of teenage heartbreak and social media; the way that jealousy gets inside us and really makes us into a whole different person and perhaps distorts the decisions we make“, which he nicely articulates in the lyrics “So now I’m spending night times tracking down precise times. I’m addicted to my screen. I see you follow him and you follow her, and it all just seems so clean. But then you drop a like, and well it don’t seem right, and I’ll just sit there green.” 

Single artwork by Sam Crowston.

Follow Oli Barton:  Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok

Find his music on Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon Music / YouTube

SHIPS HAVE SAILED – Single Review: “Find My Way”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews11 Comments

A long-time favorite music act of mine is Los Angeles-based duo Ships Have Sailed. Comprised of singer-songwriter and musician Will Carpenter and drummer Art Andranikyan, together they play an incredibly pleasing style of alternative pop-rock featuring beautiful melodies, intelligent, uplifting lyrics, outstanding arrangements and instrumentation, and sublime vocals. They’ve released a lot of music since 2013, including three albums, three EPs and many singles. I’ve loved all their music and have written about them numerous times on this blog over the past five years. (You can read some of those reviews by clicking on the ‘Related’ links at the end of this post.) Several of their songs have appeared on my Weekly Top 30 chart, with two of them – “Escape” in 2019 and “Breathe” in 2021, going all the way to #1.

Photo of Will and Art by Gentle Giant Digital

On January 21st, the guys dropped their latest single “Find My Way“, a beautiful, heartwarming song written at the request of an English woman they’d met some time ago while on tour in the U.K., and who wanted help telling her personal story of an epic trip she took across America with her now-deceased husband. Will elaborates on the song and its creation: “‘Find My Way’ is a story of profound love, profound loss, and the journey of finding yourself again. Despite that, this song isn’t a sad one – it’s a note of gratitude for the moments we do have and the memories that are created from our time here on earth, the people we get to know while we’re here and the relationships that grow more and more special with every moment. This song is dedicated to our dear friend who we met on tour a few years ago in the U.K., and to her late husband who we never had the chance to meet. Two soul mates whose love was palpable, they dreamed of taking a once-in-a-lifetime road trip across the U.S. and finally did after years of planning. But shortly after they returned, he passed away unexpectedly. This song is our tribute to them and to holding your loved ones close.”

The song was written by Will, who co-produced it with Dan Sadin, mixed by Fernando Reyes and mastered by John Greenham. It’s really lovely, with a buoyant, toe-tapping groove overlain with layers of slightly twangy strummed guitars and a gentle, galloping beat that lend the song more of a folk vibe than a lot of their music. The soothing background synths and clicking percussion sounds add interesting texture to the proceedings, making for a richer and more complex overall sound, and the wonderful soaring choruses call to mind some of the great songs by OneRepublic.

As always, Will’s arresting vocals are beautiful, conveying both strength of conviction and a heartfelt vulnerability as he sings the poignant lyrics: “Memories of trips we’ve taken, all the things we’ve seen. Thousands of the miles we traveled, chasing down our dreams. Thought the road was never ending, we’d have the rest of time. Reached the end without a warning, I guess we missed the sign.”

The sweet video features moments from Will and Art’s own stories, captured by photographer Andrei Duman, as well as personal photos provided by their friends to whom the song is dedicated. The visual treatments and typography were created by Jody Talmadge.

Follow Ships Have Sailed: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Find their music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Soundcloud / Apple Music / YouTube / Pandora/ Amazon