Friday, July 20, 2012

Stereoscope Jerk Explosion - La Panthère Pop


For those of you, like me, who love Hammond fueled beat music, you need to check this band out, this is classic 60's sounding music at its very best.  

STEREOSCOPE JERK EXPLOSION was born out of the whimsical imagination of a girl, Marie Julie, an organist passionate about Sixties music and graphics. To carry out her project, she appealed to some friends, musicians coming from the Strawberry Smell & The Cryptones, involved for a long time in the jerk & french 60's beat scene.


Since 2004, the band has been performing in many venues, opening gigs before Big Boss Man, James Taylor Quartet or before Mike Painter & The Family Shakers at the Sunslice Festival.


In 2005, they've realised their two first 7" on the new label Les Disques Cosmic Groove: one special Sitar SITARMANIA /L'HOMME GRENOUILLE, one special Hammond LA PANTHERE POP/ PROMENADE DES BRITISH with colorful pop art sleeves, 4 late 60's influenced instrumental grooves full of hammond, sitar, moog, fuzz or wah-wah guitar and a catchy rythm section.

In 2007, they were back with fuelled force for two new 7" on Les Disques Cosmic Groove. This time one is special Fuzz JERK A LA VAGUE / FUZZ PARTY, one special Moog BUMBLEBEE / MOOG TRAFFIC

For these tunes, the band has gain in maturity and the sound is more explosive and powerful than ever with the addition of horns, vocals or theremin.
Now the first album of STEREOSCOPE JERK EXPLOSION is just finished. It’s a concept album made like an original soundtrack of the film LA PANTHERE POP.

Album Teaser.

It includes 21 songs, played in different moods like 60's psychedelic, sitar beat, garage, cinematic, lounge or even bossa nova, but always with catchy pop themes, and a touch of modern sound.
New instruments and some additionnal musicians like Chris Joss come to supplement this fantastic album accompanied by a booklet including a complete scenario (in french and english) based on the name of the tracks, and the storyboard of the film in comic strip.

Stream the album here: Bandcamp


Band page: http://www.stereoscopejerkexplosion.com/

The album is also available on Amazon. 

Marie Julie and other members from Steeroscope Jerk Explosion  have another band called "Cucumber" which plays in a similar style, you can check them out their new album "The Frech Job." Listen here: Cucumber

And if you find, like me, you can't get enough, Stereoscope Jerk Explosion have several 7" single for sale as well as a new album in the pipeline, which, at present has no release date set.....so keep 'em peeled!  Don't worry, I will let you know when it is released ;)

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Sam Page - Waiting For Another Spring EP


This is a fine EP, among the influences listed are Blur, The Breeders, Matthew Sweet etc, but you can safely add to that Super Furry Animals and many more great bands, that, is not to say that the songs or music lack originality in anyway whatsoever. This EP, or Mini Album of six tracks is remarkably immediate and extremely well produced, the more I listen, the more I love it and I am sure that you will too!

Sam Page climbing to dizzy heights!

Sam Page is an unsigned singer/songwriter whose guitar-driven pop/rock combines upbeat grooves and powerful rockers. There is no electronica in his music – just a raucous (albeit melodic) mix of guitars, bass, percussion and vocals. After releasing a home-recorded EP in January 2011, Sam formed a band and did 20 gigs in southern California. He then released a second EP (Waiting for Another Spring) in April 2012 that seems to resonate with fans of Matthew Sweet, Jack White, Sam Roberts, The Breeders, Blur, and CAKE.

What others are saying:

"Much like the rest of the EP, 'Pass Me By' has a fun swing to it, complete with heavy distortion and happy riffs. It has a power popish feel ... like Weezer."
          -- Audio Splash (June 19, 2012)

"Instantly hummable songs ... Page stands out among the DIY indie hopefuls with his knack for songwriting and creating a full sound on a shoestring budget."
          -- Here Comes The Flood (June 10, 2012)

"It conjures up good weather and good times, so you can put off waiting for spring with Page’s own sunny melodies and laid back vocals, almost Jack Johnson style. But in songs like Lottery and Like@FirstSite, it’s mixed with loud and infectious riffs reminiscent of The White Stripes."
          -- Anastasia Aboim, New Reviews (June 2012)

"I really love the sounds and production on [Lottery]. The vocals reminded me a little of Beck in places."
          --Rathole Radio (May 27, 2012)

"Sam Page kicks ass ... It's the best EP I've heard so far this year. 'Nuff said."
          -- Berkeley Place (May 22, 2012) 

To listen to the EP, take a trip over to Sam's website and take a listen, if you like it, make a purchase and help support an artists that I  believe we will be hearing a lot more from in the future.

Listen to Sam Page - Waiting For Another Spring HERE

Contact, befriend, like and love Sam Page: FACEBOOK
   

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Joel Boyea, Please Don't Eat The Daisies - A free download from Futureman Records!


Futureman Records is one of those rarest of breed record labels where all profits go straight to the band, in fact the label was set up to promote good music and support the artists, this deserves our attention and support in order to help artists to continue to produce the music we love.

"Please Don't Eat The Daisies" is twenty songs recorded over twenty years (1988-2008). These homemade bedroom demos and studio recordings have been revived and made public here for the very first time by Futureman Records.  If you need convincing of the quality of this, take a look at the artists featured on this recording!
Joel Boyea, singing and playing. Chris Richards, bass playing. Doyle Dean, drum playing.
Download for free here: A gift from Futureman Records
Other records on the label are "The New Sell Out" by Various artists in a tribute to The Who and the "Sell Out" album which contains some real gems of covers.
 Put together 12 years ago and gathering cobwebs ever since, The New Sell Out is finally out! Dedicated to Rick McBrien, the soul of Futureman. Thanks to every contributing artist and everyone who worked on this! Special thanks to Shawn Wolfe and Hans Martin-Buff! Full liner notes and artwork included in download. 
Stream and download here: Bandcamp
An artist that doesn't really need an introduction is the amazing Michael Carpenter who has an album of covers, SOOP (Songs of other people) on the Futureman label, these are brilliant covers, many of which I had not heard before, but will be playing plenty from now on.
Some highlights from Michael Carpenter's amazing collection of covers records! Head over to michaelcarpenter.bandcamp.com for the full collections along with his amazing originals.
Stream and download SOOP here:Bandcamp

Finally, for now, The What Gives, a band that had somehow passed me by until now and if they have also passed you by up until this point, you can rectify that now as this is a sterling piece of work that needs to be heard.

Recorded in various sessions during the late 90s at what was then Red House Recording in Eudora, Ks. Principals were Jon Harrison on guitar and keyboards, Bret Dillingham on Drums and Stephen Naron on Bass. Bret and Jon sang. Dan Berchenko played guitar on "Right as Rain" and probably something else. Kit Cole played the string section on "Friends." Tawni Freeland-Crider contributed some backing vocals. Ed Rose played a bit of guitar and other tasty treats, as well as recording and co-producing with the band. 

Stream and download The What Gives here: Bandcamp

There are more artists being added to Futureman Records, if you would like to keep up to speed with who is being added, then join their facebook page and support the record label that supports the artists!
Contact, befriend, like and love Futureman Records here: FACEBOOK




Monday, July 16, 2012

The Kaams - Uwaga! ALBUM OUT NOW.


The Kaams eagerly awaited album has landed, and, as was expected, is full of pulsating, rocking garage beats.
Hailing from Bergamo, Italy, this is a band that have obviously fed on a staple diet of the greatest garage/beat bands out there and their debut album has earned a place up there with the best of them.


Started as a duo piece by Andrea Carminati (vocals/guitar) and Marcello Giannelli (drums), the band released its first Ep “She’s a Killer” in march 2010 on Bedo Records/Dirty Water Digit Records.
At the end of the same year a new 7'' split titled "Chose Your Coffin - The Kaams vs The Monolithics" was released on Boss Hoss Records and distributed by Area Pirata.
After several line-up changes Andrea has finally met the right mates:
Marco Facheris (guitar), Alberto Mafessoni (bass) and Tiziano Carozzi (drums).

 This is a fantastic debut album from one of the finest bands in Italy and certainly a heavyweight contender within the scene worldwide, if you like raw, arse kicking, rock 'n' roll beats, then these guys should be adourning your turn table before every night out, hell, play it before breakfast and make every day great!!

Contact, befriend, like and love The Kamms here: FACEBOOK

Listen to a few songs from the album here: Reverbnation

Copies of the album can be purchased direct from the band here: thekaams@gmail.com
or via the record label here: Area Pirata

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Boys School - Boys School. ALBUM OUT NOW

I wasn't really sure what to expect from an album and band called "Boys School," but then I remembered that I should never have expectations as I am often left dissapointed, fortunately, this was not to be the case here, in fact I was pleasantly surprised.

This album is a sparkling piece of work with ballads sitting comfortably besides more up-tempo numbers and a cover of Abba's S.O.S.  Sometimes you get a hint of Brett Farkas influences, think Elvis Costello, T-Rex and The Jam and you are some way there to understanding what this album is all about.  This is a blinding album, full of stompers and a couple of superb ballads.  Go take a listen!

When do the girls get here?

Known for his uniquely prominent and wide spanned style of guitar playing within the LA music scene for the likes of Lord Huron, Amnion (with former Magnetic Zero Aaron Embry) and soul legend, Solomon Burke, Detroit native Brett Farkas steps up to the front and assembles his own clever cast to deliver a half hour fun-ride of sneering rock and roll, addictive pop and thoughtful ballads. Boys School's self titled debut album flows with immense energy, original attitude and lyrical honesty while paying tribute to a rich inspiration of early rock n roll, 70's glam and punk, classic soul music, 90's college radio and the traditional songsmith.
-Featuring the up tempo tracks, "Medicated", "Talking to Myself" , "So Cool - featuring Andy Clockwise" and "There It Goes"; the ballad "I'm With You"; and the epic rendition of Abba's, "S.O.S.".

-Produced by Luke Adams, and includes many regulars to the LA music community including, Stella Mozgawa (drummer of Warpaint), Andy Clockwise, Mia Dyson and Aaron Embry (Edward Sharpe).

Contact, befriend, like and love "Boys School" here: Facebook 

Stream, download etc here: Bandcamp

Deco Auto - Past Mistakes And Hauntings EP. OUT NOW


For those of you who like your Power Pop tinged with some grating guitars and powerful vocals, you couldn't do much better than check out the wonderful "Deco Auto" from Kansas City MO.  
Drawing influences from the likes of Superdrag, Superchunk and Oranger, these guys knock out some really cool supercharged music and if this EP is any indication of what the band can do, then we can hopefully look forward to a fuel injected, V6 growling album sometime soon in the future.


Steven Garcia - guitar, vocals
Tracy Flowers - bass, vocals
Michelle Bacon - drums


 
Photo: Jessica Ball

The band have several packages available when you purchase the CD EP, you can buy just the download if you wish, but for those of you who want a physical copy, you have the option for a limited edition Deco Auto print and a cd or a cd and an ultra cool T-shirt, both packages include a vinyl sticker, all available from the bands bandcamp page.

Contact, befriend, like and love the wonderful Deco Auto here: FACEBOOK 

Buy one of the CD packages or download here: BANDCAMP 

Official Web Site: http://decoautokc.com/ 

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Eytan Mirsky - Year Of The Mouse


Eytan Mirsky delivers his fifth album, which, like his previous releases is chock full of pop nuggets.

Eytan's albums are always so consistent, this, his fifth in a career that has spanned 16 years is no exception as Eytan shows he still has a deftness for writing a catchy tune to back his lyrical content, which at times reminds me of Elvis Costello.  Yes, the songs are that good!



Eytan is known mainly for his original contributions to film soundtracks, including the title songs for critically acclaimed films Happiness, sung by R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, and American Splendor, in which he himself appeared singing the theme. He also contributed three songs to the film The Tao of Steve, including the title song and “(I Just Wanna Be) Your Steve McQueen.” Other films to which Mirsky has contributed music are Palindromes, The Company and Desert Blue.



Contact, befriend, like and love Eytan Mirsky: Facebook

Stream, buy the download/CD and back catologue: Bandcamp




Friday, July 13, 2012

The Seasongs - Out Of The City. OUT NOW



The Seasongs debut album is now out and not only does it come wrapped up in a well crafted colourful piece of artwork by Oscar Herrero but the music contained within is also well crafted and colourful too!
The album fires into life with the song "New Love" which is a perfect example of power pop at its finest and the album continues to mesmerise you with songs that have a hint of past greats such as The Kinks, Beatles, Who, even some early Simon and Garfunkel in places, all delivered with attitude and style.
This is a fantastic debut album from a band that promises to go from strength to strength delivering jangly, upbeat, hook laden songs, go listen and enjoy!
Photo: Lisa Monetti

The Seasongs are a Power-pop band from Spain, with a little mixture of folk and psychedelia in their sound, influenced by bands like The Who, Kinks, Beatles, David Bowie, Byrds, The La's and many others.

They've been playing as The Seasongs since 2003 , though the origin of the band begins in 2000 with a garage band called Piso99 (99th Floor).
They've got one album (2012) and 4 self EPs released (2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009), and some of their stuff have appeared in 2 compilations of the Spanish fanzine BonVivant Records.

Their first LP titled "Out of the city" has been recorded and mixed by Pepe Bermejo (bass player in The Happy Losers and Mamá) between 2011 and 2012 and mastered by Fausto Martin (guitarist and singer in The Winnerys and Riffbackers) in 2012

Photo: Lisa Monetti

Along these years, they have performed in many gigs, supporting both international and Spanish bands like Cooper, Ugly Beats, Wiretree, Dropkick, Squire, The Village Green Experience (Kinks cover band leaded by Spanish musician José Casas), Javier Polo (one of the members of The Winnerys), Zinedines, Los Sentíos, Holdens, Alien in love, Bang 74, etc.


The Seasongs have participated in three editions of the famous power-pop festival International Pop Overthrow in Liverpool (from 2010 to 2012).

Photo: Lisa Monetti

Contact, befriend, like and love The Seasongs: FACEBOOK

Stream, download and buy the album: Bandcamp

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Phenomenal Cat - Mellow Lane. Single No.6, FREE DOWNLOAD

Mellow Lane cover art 

Phenomenal Cat reach the halfway stage of their single a month for 2012 with the release of "Mellow Lane."

With "Mellow Lane" Phenomenal Cat have delivered a memory provoking piece of times past, changing times, times that are looked back on with a mixture of happiness and sadness, they have then wrapped it up in another delectable slice of power pop and then given it a "Coronation Street" ending.  Confused?  Take a listen and see what I mean.

The bands previous 5 releases have also been made available for FREE download again, so if you don't already have them, get them now!

Download "Mellow Lane" here:Bandcamp

Contact, like and love Phenomenal Cat here: FACEBOOK

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The "Ice Cream Man" Holiday!


The "Ice Cream Man" is off on holiday for a few weeks but will be back soon to share some new found and classic gems for you.

Here is a video from the wonderful "Red Jacket Mine" of their new single to enjoy for today!
You can find "Red Jacket Mine"  here: Facebook

See you soon!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The Foggy Notions - Beginning To See - FREE DOWNLOAD





I found these guys on Bandcamp with a tag of "Teenage Fanclub" which, obviously, compelled me to take a listen.
This seven track debut album does have an element of more recent TFC within but also has its own distinctive style too, there is a very indie pop feel to the music too especially on "Guiding Star" (An original song, not a cover of the TFC song) which reminds me a little of very early My Bloody Valentine and some Sarah Records artists.


Other than the fact that they hail from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CA I can't really tell you very much about the band, other than they have a very immediate 7 track debut album that you can download for free and that you should download it!

Befriend, contact, like and love here: FACEBOOK

Download the album FREE here: BANDCAMP

Foggy Notions: MYSPACE

Monday, June 18, 2012

Chris Richards and The Subtractions - Get ya la la's out! Out Now....if you now what I mean!

When this arrived at the "Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More" I immediately recognised the name Chris Richards, Chris released one of my favourite albums back in 2004, the album was called "Mystery Spot" and that led me to seek out more of his solo albums and his works with the magnificent Pantookas all of which are absolutely brilliant.  On "Get Your La La's Out"  Chris is joined by bass player Todd Holmes and drummer Larry Grodsky who provide great backing on the album, you may recognise these names from Hippodrome and The Pantookas.

This is straight up in your face Power Pop with a  blend of British inavsion, take a listen and place an order!!



 It’s been a very busy time in the Subtractions life…We’ve been fine tuning our set for our Get Yer La La’s Out Release party at the spacious Berkley Front (Friday 6/22) with the Subtractions addition of Nick Piunti (a hell of a songwriter himself- do check out some of his works via CD Baby). We’ll be spending most of our “stage time” playing tracks of our last two records and some older surprises sprinkled about.

We also approved the vinyl master for La La’s and it’s set to arrive by mid July- all pre-orders will be shipped at that time. I have to be honest with you…it sounds incredible. You can stream the vinyl only bonus track here- Dogs. The LP will be available via our site (with free immediate download) or through CD Baby and Amazon in July.

Next up…We’ll put the finishing touches on That Covers That Vol 2 – perhaps featuring tracks by Chris Bell, Cheap Trick, the Who…Coming this summer to a free download site near you.

If you haven't already, be sure to download That Covers That Vol 1 (free 5 track download) today.


The band don't appear to have a facebook page but you are able to contact them via e mail at their official site.

 

Sunday, June 17, 2012

The Paparazzi - Rococo FREE DOWNLOAD


Erik Paparazzi has been recording and touring in various incarnations of The Paparazzi since way back. His heroes are the underdogs of pop like Harry Nilsson, Nick Lowe, Todd Rundgren, Lee Hazelwood, Brian Wilson, and all the other musical visionaries who can get down with happy accidents, soul power, and the lushness of it all.

Erik currently plays bass in Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues, and has been lucky enough to perform with The Pierces, Men Without Pants, the Losers Lounge, Wilco keyboardist Mikael Jorgensen's Pronto, etc. Erik made three records in the 90s as part of Lizard Music which also featured Jorgensen.

His new album Rococo is set for release on Serious Business this winter. Listen now to hit jam "The Rococo Tape" which will appear on Rococo, a 12" slab of long-playing vinyl that Erik will dump in our laps in time for early '10. Delicious!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Hypnotic Eye - Marianne 7 " single and album out soon!!!!!

The Hypnotic Eye are a South London-based five piece Flower-Punk band, who play abrupt, slightlydelic garage, haunted by Brill-Building pop & Musique Concrète. The Hypnotic Eye take their name from George Blair's cult classic horror film. Known for their prismatic dress and engaging performance, the group are fronted by 19 year old, Grace Lightman. 

A fully independent limited pressing 7" of The Hypnotic Eye's debut single "Marianne" featuring a cover of The Omens' "Searching" is out now..........and I have to say it really is rather splendid indeed! Kicking into play with a kind of early Stones type guitar riff (Chuck Berry really then!) and driven along with the feel of The Small Faces, "Watcha Gonna Do About it" this song could only be a winner from the off,  and then, it gets even better when Grace Lightmans powerful vocals come into the equation, think Lulu with real attitude and you have "Marianne" a top notch single from the bands forthcoming album which should be available sometime later this year, and I for one, am really looking forward to hearing it!




 

Contact, befriend, like and love The Hypnotic Eye: FACEBOOK 

Official Website: http://www.hypnoticeye.co.uk/ 
 You can buy a limited vinyl pressing of the single here and find details of the bands live dates amongst other news.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Marty Graveyard - Summer Holiday OUT JUNE 21ST


The eagerly awaited "Summer Holiday" has arrived unlike this years actual summer which seems to be taking a holiday of its own, still, not to worry, this album will brighten up the cloudy days and put a smile back on your face.
Marty Graveyard was the drummer with Power Pop beat combo The Madd, he also wrote the excellent songs "I Know" and "Into The Sun" recorded by the band, so it comes as no surprise that he has released his own solo album and plays virtually everything on the album himself with a few guest vocalists, including ex band mate Dave Von Raven, who also features in Martys video for the catchy song "Do You Really Wanna Dance?"
'Summer Holiday' can be described as a feelgood guitar pop album. Catchy choruses and ditto Guitar Lines make you feel like it's summer forever. Marty has developed a unique style and sound with influences from a.o. the Californian popsound. If you think of The Beach Boys you're a step in the right direction .. Sprinkle a glimmer of punk rock on top of that and you get 'Summer Holiday'!

This is a 12 track album that makes you move involuntarily, you can't help but tap your feet, beautifully arranged and with some fantastic guests, notably, Julia Reinhold who lends her beautiul voice to the track "Why."
It is hard to pick a favourite track on this album as they are all such great songs, which answers that question, How many drummers does it take to make a great album? Just one, Marty Graveyard!
Suited, booted and suave!

Marty is currently rehearsing with a band and getting ready to take this album out on a tour which promises to be something special, the sunshine could be coming to a town near you soon!

Contact, befriend, like and love Marty Graveyard here: FACEBOOK



Summer Holiday will be available at all good record shops, if they don't stock it, you should be able to place an order for it.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Paul Starling - Shipwrecked Commotion

Here is some lovely sunny and bright music, perfect for the summer....if only the sun would make a show here in Sweden that is!  This will definately be gracing the "Ice Cream Man" record player, more than likely on constant repeat, and if the sun doesn't shine, we are going to play it anyway!!!!!


Paul Starling writes & records original songs. He plays: guitar, bass, drums, piano, banjo, ukulele, & anything else he can get his hands on. Known for his 60′s vibe with a modern twist, Paul Starling creates what he calls ‘nautical pop’. It is music to sail, float, skip and even dance to.


 
Contact, befriend, Like and Love Paul here: Facebook 

Listen to or Download the album here: Bandcamp

Friday, June 8, 2012

The Late Show - Portable Pop REISSUE


Reissue Available May 29th via Trashy Creatures Records

Formed in 1972 at North Central High School in Indianapolis, The Late Show’s original line-up included drummer Mark Cutsinger and guitarist Kevin Kimberlin, along with Don Main and Mark Moran.

With a move to New York City in 1974 the Late Show caught the attention of producer Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Artful Dodger, New York Dolls, The Knack). After a series of recordings with Douglas at the Record Plant, and major label offers from CBS, Epic, Windfall, and Don Kirshner’s record label, all of which the band turned down expecting a bigger deal to be around the corner, Kimberlin left the band.

The band continued as a three piece from 1975 until 1979, when Steve Lester was added on guitar and keyboards.

By late 1979, guitarist Rick Clayton had replaced Steve Lester and Chris Pyle joined replacing Mark Cutsinger on drums.

The band entered Soundsmith Studios in Indianapolis with producer Greg Riker and engineer producer Mike Petrucci to record their first record, Portable Pop. The band had trouble getting the sound they wanted in the studio. Main recalled, “Don’t get me wrong, it was a nice studio, it was just too sterile sounding. So we literally set up in the loading dock area of the studio with monitors and recorded the entire album live.” Portable Pop, released in 1980 on Rave Records was the only official release by The Late Show, and was only available at the time on vinyl. The record has been out of print since the early 80′s. This power pop classic will be reissued May 29, 2012 by Trashy Creatures Records.

The band recorded their second record in Memphis, TN with producer John Hampton (The Raconteurs, White Strips, Alex Chilton, The Cramps, The Replacements, Gin Blossoms) in 1983. The record entitled, Recordio in Stereo, was shelved just weeks before it’s independent release by the band's lawyer, who assured them a contract with Atlantic Records was a done deal. As it it turned out, the deal fell through and the record has remained unreleased since 1983. It will finally see the light of day with bonus tracks later this year on Trashy Creatures Records. Between 1986 and 1988, the band recorded demos in Los Angeles and their hometown of Indianapolis with producer Ian Ritchie (Roger Waters, Godley & Creme, Gary Numan, The Beach Boys, Dead Or Alive, Howard Jones, Laurie Anderson). Atlantic Records was responsible for paring producer Ritchie with the band, but once again a deal with the label failed to materialize. The band are currently working on a album of new material to be released through Trashy Creatures Records and Burger Records in 2013.

In the summer of 2012 The Late Show will be featured in a new book called “Power Pop 360” and the song “Take a Chance” will be featured on the CD Compilation that will accompany the book. The book covers 360 of the most essential power pop records in history.

 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

The Kaams - Debut album this month!


I have recently featured several bands from Spain that have a real flair for the execution of great sixties garage punk sounds, well, it would appear that Italy have some flair in that field too, they are The Kaams and they are on the verge of releasing their debut album "Uwaga!" which promises to be a rather exceptional debut, one that we are really looking forward to hearing and reviewing on the blog.


The Kaams come out screaming from Bergamo (Italy) in fall 2009, started as a duo piece by Andrea Carminati (vocals/guitar) and Marcello Giannelli (drums), the band released its first Ep “She’s a Killer” in march 2010 on Bedo Records/Dirty Water Digit Records.
At the end of the same year a new 7'' split titled "Chose Your Coffin - The Kaams vs The Monolithics" was released on Boss Hoss Records and distributed by Area Pirata.

After several line-up changes Andrea has finally met the right mates: Marco Facheris (guitar), Alberto Mafessoni (bass) and Tiziano Carozzi (drums).
2012 is a busy and exciting year, a lot of gigs all around Italy, a German tour completed in May and most of all the long-awaited 12 tracks full length album that will be out in June, once again on Area Pirata/Boss Hoss Records.
"UWAGA! is a perfect mix of r’n’b, garage, punk, blues nuances and melodies,
a time bomb ready to explode" (cit.)
Photo by Francesco Pucciarelli
 Contact: thekaams@gmail.com 
 Befriend, follow, Like and Love The Kaams:http://www.facebook.com/thekaams

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Incredible Kidda Band - Too Much Too Little Too Late


Remember during the good ol' days of late '70s and early '80s guitar-based new wave and power pop? Remember when the Boys had a new release, and how the raw energy almost ripped holes in your speakers? Prepare to relive those days, cuz here come two CDs of raw, unpretentious energy, dressed up in the catchiest hooks this side of the Boys. Recorded between 1977 and 1981, the Kiddas never got the break they deserved, due to circumstances beyond their control. They certainly had the talent and the songs, but it just didn't work out for them. With 29 tracks, there's something for every guitar pop fan. All the tracks are raw and primitive, but not sloppy. And each song, written by leader Alan Hammonds, has so much snap, crackle, and pop, you'll be stuffed silly by the time Disc Two ends. "Can I Take the Car Tonight" sounds like it could've been at least a regional hit way back then! "While the 1979-1981 material is in stereo, the earlier 1977 recordings are in mono, enhancing the experience for the fan, while irritating the audiophiles at the same time! "Fighting My Way Back" musically resembles a mix 'tween power pop favorites Bram Tchaikovsky and the Records "If Looks Could Kill," "Big Boys Don't Cry," and "Get Off the Telephone" are such nice, hooky little songs, that you have to wonder why no major label snapped them up. Though the sound quality is debatable in a few places, the songs speak for themselves. AMG


Listen: HERE

Monday, June 4, 2012

The Past Tense - Take Three


Take Three is the debut album from Kingston/ Worcester Park Mod/Power Pop band The Past Tense.

If I had a box of nails, this album would hit every single one of them on the head!  I grew up loving bands like The Jam, The Chords, Prisoners, Milkshakes etc, and so to, quite clearly, did Andy, Ken and Nuts.
Opening track "Feeling Bad" wouldn't be out of place on The Jam's All Mod Cons album.  The song is about a bad relationship and the sigh of relief when it is over, delivered with all the energy and passion you would expect from Mr Weller himself.
One of the standout tracks, and there are many of these, on the  album is "Jimmy's Love Song" which as you may guess is a tribute to Quadrophenia and The Who.  This song and tribute is is executed with real flair and Ken's bass work is excellent, you could almost imagine that Mr Entwistle had stepped in for the session.....which obviously we knew he couldn't have!!
The Past Tense don't just revel in the late 70's and early 80's Mod revival Power Pop sound, there is clearly a love of 60's garage which you can hear on tracks like The Wolfman for which this excellent video was made.

Not by any means a young band,THE PAST TENSE offer a very welcome alternative to the dour state of current musical fads by offering an enthusiastic, energetic and exciting take on the Power pop/mod revival sound of the 80"s and a lively and fun nod to the Garage greats, Past and Present. 

All in all this is a really great debut album from the band, they clearly wear their influences openly and proudly on their sleeves....and rightly so!

"Take Three" is a limited pressing of just 200 albums and from the interest I have seen on this album, they will be sold out very quickly, so if you like what you see, hear and read, order yourself a copy without delay!

 The Past Tense are playing live Friday 8th of June at the "12 Bar" Denmark Street in London. The band are on at 11.00pm.  It is an ace venue, the smallest stage in London and the place is a sweat box when full, so if you are in the area then get down there and enjoy the party!

Order the album here:Detour Records

Befriend, contact, like and love The Past Tense here: Facebook

Official Website: The Past Tense