Reno Bo - You Can See It All From Here

Released: 1 May 2020
Label: You Are The Cosmos
Listen and Buy Here

Reno Bo is a songwriter from Nashville and a recent discovery for me. His new album is superb guitar pop with some Americana vibes. He also plays in the band Neon Castles.

'Baby Blues' is anthemic indie rock with a chorus that really soars. There is some great guitar work, which is the case throughout the album

My favourite song here is 'Second to Last' a beautiful pop song. It had Wilco and XO era Elliott Smith vibes. 'Take Cover' is another lovely song and more 80s sounding with hints of Springsteen. 


Other highlights include 'Old Glories' which is wonderfully melodic with wistful lyrics and feelings of longing. 'This Time Again Tomorrow' is another favourite of mine and has Crosby, Stills & Nash vibes.

It ends on the epic title track 'You Can See It All From Here', which is is a very moving ballad and brought to mind R.E.M. 'Everybody Hurts'. 

A really enjoyable album, with well written songs and superb musicianship. Highly recommended.

The Top Boost - Dreaming EP

Released: April 2019
Label: You Are The Cosmos
Listen on Bandcamp

I first heard of this Vancouver band from the song 'What if She Loves You?' which was on a power pop compilation a few years ago. I was immediately hooked. They sound like a more modern version of The Byrds, with slightly heavier guitars. 

The first song on the new EP is 'Dreaming', which features backing vocals from Roger Joseph Manning Jr (of the band Jellyfish). The harmonies are stunning and it has a really 60's Beach Boys feel to it. Especially the Ba
Ba Ba's towards the end. It also sounds a little like The Left Banke in places.

'I'll Be There' is a slower ballad and it has the chiming Byrdsian guitars and big, harmony laden chorus. I could also hear a Motown/Soul influence. 

It ends on 'She Will Stay', a beautiful, well-constructed love song. The harmonies are so sweet, without ever being twee. There is a real heart-felt longing in the lyrics as well.

All in all, this is a great EP. I can't wait to hear a full album from this band.