Released: 22 Jul 2020
Label: The Beautiful Music
Listen and Buy Here
Super 8 and Lisa Mychols are two prominent artists in the Power Pop genre and on this new album they join forces. It is a wonderfully retro listening experience!
It opens with 'What Will Be?' which has strong 60s Psych vibes. 'Time Bomb' is a brilliant homage to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. It has strong hooks and a slightly Rock edge.
Other highlights include 'You and Me, Me and You' which has more Soul/Motown vibes. Lisa's sweet vocals suit the music perfectly, with backing harmonies from Trip.
'Flying Close To The Sun' is an epic Beatlesesque ballad. There is also a cover of the Harpers Bizarre classic - Wichi Tai To. It is a very moving version and fits so well on the album. 'Laguna Nights To Remember' is more stripped back and has hints of Big Star - The Ballad of El Goodo. It ends on the gloriously epic - 'The Arms of Water'.
A wonderful album full of 60s charm, and the collaboration between the two artists works perfectly. Highly recommended Summer listening.
Released: 10 Jan 2020
Label: Kool Kat Musik
Listen on Bandcamp
This is Emperor Penguin's 4th album. I have been following this band for a couple of years now and was drawn in by their fun, slightly psychedelic brand of Power Pop. Their albums are never short of quirky lyrics and great melodies and this is no exception.
The album opens with the anthemic 'Hello Picasso'. The sound is reminiscent of The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again, in places. There is lots of psychedelic goodness and skilled guitar solos.
'What's Come Over Me' is another highlight with strong hooks and has that 60's Beatles charm. 'Brand New Yesterday' is another example of superbly written guitar pop and is also very catchy.
'You'll Be The Death Of Me' is my favourite song here and instantly memorable, the harmonies recalling The Byrds.
'Speedwell Blue' sounds different to anything else on the album and features the vocals of Lisa Mychols, prominent in the Power Pop genre, whose music is also well worth investigating. The song has chilled out vibes and hints of jazz.
'The Burning Man' is an impressive closer, with its soaring chorus and epic production. It is full of energy, like many of the other songs on this album.
This is a hugely enjoyable and varied album, one which fans of guitar pop should really check out. A superb listen.
