Middlebees “Seconds”

Middlebees is the musical project of Jon Manos, a songwriter with a clear gift for classic pop craftsmanship. The album opens with “Ticking,” which begins modestly with a toy piano and simple verse before unfolding into a rich, layered chorus anchored by a memorable hook. Manos draws from a wide range of pop influences throughout the album. “Made It Back” shines with jangly indie-pop energy and an unmistakable ’80s feel, while “Ashby” channels the bright, carefree spirit of late-’60s bubblegum pop. The stylistic variety keeps the record engaging while maintaining a consistent melodic focus.

The ballads offer a welcome change of pace. Manos’ deep vocal register suits some material, though “And You’ll See the Sun” feels less impactful than some of the stronger tracks and might have benefited from additional vocal harmonies. Even so, the album succeeds where it matters most: the songs. Tracks like “When Will the Light Shine” and “I Gotta Go” highlight Manos’ ability to craft infectious melodies without relying on studio excess or gimmicks. Fans of melody-driven pop, whether rooted in the ’60s, ’80s, or modern indie traditions, will find plenty to appreciate here. Definitely this check it out.

Amazon

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The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club “Fever Dreamer”

Over the past 12 years, Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club has steadily expanded its sound, and ‘Fever Dream’ finds the band leaning further into glam rock influences. Opener “Stunt Double” recalls the swagger of Imperial Drag, driven by crunchy riffs and tambourines that immediately set the tone. The album hits an early high point with “Disco Demolition,” a standout single packed with Queen-sized harmonies, thick guitar lines, and an irresistible energy. While “Heavy Conclusions” and “Fuzzz4escence” showcase the band’s impressive musicianship, neither track delivers hooks that stick.

Things quickly get back on track with “Monday the Destroyer,” a hard-rocking groove machine complete with a healthy dose of cowbell. “Lost Daughter of Stardust” blends influences ranging from Extreme to David Bowie’s Spiders From Mars era, revealing more depth with each listen. “Hostage to Hypothetical” is another slow-burn highlight that rewards repeat spins, while closing track “Reach” wraps things up with a classic rock chorus that leaves a lasting impression. ‘Fever Dream’ may not deliver wall-to-wall hooks, but Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club continues to evolve while maintaining the strong musicianship and adventurous spirit that have defined the band for over a decade. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

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Sour Ops “Bikers Make Better Lovers”

Nashville power pop-rock trio Sour Ops, led by Price Harrison, continues to build on its reputation for mixing proto-punk, glam, and power pop hooks with lyrics that often lean toward the cynical. Their latest LP, ‘Bikers Make Better Lovers,’ delivers another batch of sharp-edged rockers with plenty of personality. The production is crisp and uncluttered, allowing every instrument to sit comfortably in the mix. The lineup of Price Harrison (guitar, vocals), Tony Frost (bass), Steve Ebe (drums), and Mark Harrison (guitar, vocals) works together with impressive cohesion.

The heavy synths that introduce “Opting Out” quickly fade as a muscular guitar riff takes control. The song’s cool factor is undeniable, fueled by layered rhythm guitars and sharp vocals as Harrison declares he’s “opting out of everything that’s free.” Next, “Problem Number Next” recalls elements of Urge Overkill, thanks to its memorable melody and stacked guitar textures. When the band turns up the volume on “She’s So Strange,” the sound hints at AC/DC, albeit with stronger vocal melodies. This heavier approach reaches its peak on the infectious “Gym Bros,” a clever and entertaining commentary on hypermasculinity. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

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Doug Gillard “Parallel Stride”

“Parallel Stride” is Doug Gillard’s first solo album in more than ten years. It features his trademark guitar-driven indie rock sound with catchy tunes and poignant lyrics. Gillard has been so busy with Guided By Voices, Nada Surf, Bambi Kino, and other projects that it’s an incredible accomplishment in and of itself that he has time for his own work. Gillard’s guitar work is both melodic as it is technically impressive.

The album opens with “Face of Smiles” and its instantly memorable GBV-styled riff, while the title track “Parallel Stride” is masterclass in gritty guitar melody akin to The Grip Weeds. The galloping rhythm of “Until I See You Again” has echoes of Tom Petty, but “New Vista” marries great minor chords with acoustic rhythm that sticks in your head. In fact, it’s astounding the range of tones and moods he’s able to get, keeping things unpredictable. Added highlights include “My Friends” and “Saving My Life Everyday.” Highly Recommended.

Amazon

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Cal Everett (4 out of 5 Doctors)

My longest interview yet, and every minute was worth it.

I sat down with Cal Everett of 4 Out of 5 Doctors for an in-depth conversation covering his music career, songwriting, the band’s legacy, and what he’s working on today. Cal shared great stories, insights, and memories from decades in power pop and rock music and especially his new solo album “The Weight of Early Promise.” If you’re a fan of 4 Out of 5 Doctors, classic power pop, or the art of great songwriting, this is one you’ll want to watch.

See the album review for “The Weight of Early Promise.”

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The Greenberry Woods “It’s All Good, Sugar…”

Maryland power-poppers the Greenberry Woods were a big deal back in the 90s. And this is a rare case of a comeback that matches expectations. Brothers Matt and Brandt Huseman having previously revived their band Splitsville last year, they return to their musical roots with original member Ira Katz. The opener even expects us to “rewind and go back in time” on the opening track “Summer Song,” and it feels like they never left.

“Waiting ‘Round For Something To Go Wrong” was demo from those early days that’s fleshed out here, but other songs resonate and feel better composed like the solid “Whenever You Want Me Too,” loaded with handclaps, harmonies, and that crisp jangling guitar. Highlights include “Very Good Year” and the very self-referential “All I Want Is You,” with a few call outs to some influences in the lyrics and the densely packed “December Boy,” with its piano solo. The strongest ballad here “That Won’t Make You Love Me” is all about rejection, with some great backing harmonies floating behind the lead vocals. Likely the best song here is the single “The One That Makes You Happy” which starts out like a Green Day song and shifts to a great chorus. Not everything clicks, but enough does and it’s great to have this band back in the power pop fold. Highly Recommended.

Big Stir Records | Amazon

The Pretty Graves “The Pretty Graves”

The Pretty Graves are a Connecticut-based underground art-rock quintet renowned for their blend of unadulterated melodies, soul-baring lyrics, and fuzzed-out guitars. The indie rock density is evident on the opener “Bending Reeds” with its chugging guitar rhythm and solid harmonies. Lead singer Chris Listorti has a deadpan approach to vocals, but this contrast works even better on “Do It Again” with the gentle, dream-like beat and those deep guitar riffs feel more important, making this the most accessible single.

“Feels Good” is a satirical anthem on modern cynicism and apathy, with lyrics that tell us “everything sucks, it feels good,” it slowly becomes a catchy chant “it feels good, the more you learn, the less you know.” There is no filler here, and “Queen of Lies” and “Walkin’” each have a hypnotic quality. “Each Step” is another gem as the melodic guitars get louder in some way reminding me of Disq, but slower and more polished. Some bits of psych pop stream in on “Up On The Hill,” and the closer “Nothing Passes Like Time” has the most melodic harmonies on the album. The themes of love and loss will grow on you with each listen. Overall, an excellent album and candidate for my Top Ten list of 2026. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

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