Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 39
10 Recent Tracks + Music Reviewers/Publications (+ Updated Playlist)
There are many ways to discover new music, but one of my favorite methods is playing live myself.
There’s something about discovering songs and artists in a club setting that amplifies the experience. I don’t get behind the drums as much as I used to, but every time I do there are great tracks blaring from the PA system between sets—or, even better, the other bands on the bill blow my mind.
That happened earlier this month when my ‘90s band Ridel High played a show with two LA bands featuring talented multi-instrumentalist Daniel Brummel of Ozma. He plays guitar and sings with Sanglorians, a band that always delivers live, and he’s now also drumming for Too Short Pants.
Brummel sounded great behind Jean Alexander’s crunchy alt pop songs. Too Short Pants’ impressive set included covers of Weezer’s “El Scorcho” and Rivers Cuomo’s “I Was Made For You.” (Both performed with Cuomo in the crowd. No pressure, TSP!)
A long way of saying: If you haven’t a hit a local club show in a while, I highly recommend it.
Beyond that, there are a handful of reviewers that I rely on to keep me in the loop on up-and-coming bands and recent releases. I don’t do reviews myself, so I consider many of these writers and publications (um…) critical for keeping Remember The Lightning from slipping into full-on nostalgia mode.
Check out the 10 recent tracks below and be sure to click the reviewer links. Music scenes—even online music scenes—are living/breathing ecosystems that require our active involvement. And don’t forget to explore our comprehensive Guitar Pop For Now People Youtube and Spotify playlists.
What Are Your Favorite Tracks Below?
“The Sideshows are Rich Ragany and Simon Maxwell teaming up with the beyond-legendary Sami Yaffa to play real-deal rock 'n' roll for diehard romantics, beautiful losers, and true believers.”—Lord Rutledge, Faster and Louder
“Another return is Italian band Radio Days with a new album coming soon, and we get a new single to start. ‘I Won’t Give Up’ is a blast of energy, glad to have them back.”—Aaron Kupferberg, Powerpopaholic
“The Risk of Happinness is a quartet of killer songs, again sitting happily between rock drive and pop infectiousness, kicking off with the title track, which is a poised and near-perfect, not to mention a reminder to take chances, after all, what’s the worst that can happen…happiness?”—Dave Franklin, The Big Takeover
“‘The Perfect Cure’ is much darker, very Goth and built around an hypnotic guitar riff and pounding bass. ‘Antigravity’ is pure early ‘80s post punk. Yet both ‘Summer’ and ‘Rubber Kitten’ show how accessible the band can be, great guitar pop.”—Don Valentine, I Don’t Hear A Single
“With Luminary, The On & Ons give us a 14-track collection of pure guitar-pop Australian style. Following 2025’s Come On In, the band refines their signature sound—jangly guitars, effortless hooks, and warm vocal harmonies—into something even more consistent and memorable.”—Richard Rossi, Power Pop News
“The Freebies are an exciting new L.A. quartet. Their two-song debut carries that sun-soaked California glow, but there’s also a trace of time spent lurking around the local punk scene while digging through stacks of ‘60s girl group 45s.”—Add To Wantlist
“Manchester’s The Guest List have a restrained demeanor on their recent single ‘Something Real,’ the vocal a laid back contrast to the bright lead guitar lines. At least until they get to the chorus where the vocals flare out with a bit more melodic vitality.”—Dennis Pilon, Poprock Record
“Every song on this album is so poppy and infectious that really any of them could’ve been a single; Reinhart’s production makes everything sound clear, from Gregory’s tuneful singing voice to the power-poppy guitars, while still having a raw charm to it. With all these aspects, it absolutely lands as the band’s most accessible album yet.”—The Alternative
“The band blisters into a sneered and swaggered brand of glam-punk that leans into the bigger than life expectations draped on the name. The A-side ties some twang into knots, hip-checking power pop and setting the velvet stage for the vamping on the flip.”—Raven Sings The Blues
“‘Face of Smiles’ opens the album with an irresistible guitar riff, setting the stage for an automatic power pop hit that, along with the slightly-garage-rock-tinged title track, is just rousing enough for a one-two punch.”—Rosy Overdrive
Loving the Doug Gillard track(s)! Just got the CD in the mail…gonna spin it soon!