⚡️💥SINGLE PREMIERE: "Undercover Lover"
PLUS: Softjaw's Tanner & Dustin Share Their Favorite Power Pop Songs
Power pop is alive and kicking in Long Beach, CA.
That’s the launching pad for Softjaw, a talented quartet that turned a lot of heads in 2024 with a couple of impressive singles and a self-titled EP. They closed out the year by backing The Nerves/The Beat legend Paul Collins on a handful of West Coast dates.
Their classic sound combines head-bopping hooks with soaring guitars tailor made for fans of Cheap Trick, Teenage Fanclub, and The Records—but with a modern twist that is all their own. The band is fronted by axe-wielding songwriter’s Dustin Lovelis and Tanner Duffy, two music-lovers who originally bonded over a Big Star T-shirt.
Softjaw launched the Lovelis-penned track “I Need You” a couple of weeks ago at The Big Takeover. Today we’re thrilled to premiere Duffy’s infectious new single “Undercover Lover.”
Both songs offer a little taste of the debut Softjaw album arriving later this year.
Give “Undercover Lover” a spin and then check out some of Dustin’s and Tanner’s favorite power pop songs below.
Dustin’s Favorite Power Pop Tracks
“He's A Whore” by Cheap Trick
The first Cheap Trick record is such a staple for me. I've been listening to it since I was a kid. “He's A Whore” is a definite standout power pop gem. The melody grabs you immediately and doesn't let go until the guitar blows up your speakers at the end. And the chorus feels like a nod to the Beatles "Any Time At All."
“Yes It Is” by Rockin’ Horse
When I heard "Biggest Gossip In Town" I fell in love with these Liverpudlians immediately. "Yes It Is" turns it up a notch with a scratchy Lennon vocal delivery. I visited Liverpool years ago and it reminds me so much of my hometown, Long Beach. The whole blue collar port town thing kicks a little sand into those bubblegum melodies. This song is the perfect blend of attitude and great songwriting.
“Sparky's Dream” by Teenage Fanclub
As a ‘90s kid, Teenage Fanclub has been a mainstay for me. Bandwagonesque got me through so many long van drives on tour. “Sparky's Dream” is on a different record but it's my favorite track by them. The intro is a simple but unique riff—then all of the sudden you're submerged in big ass guitars and soft vocals. The chorus harmonies are insanely good.
Tanner’s Favorite Power Pop Tracks
“Please Stand By” by The Shivvers
Power pop can be a bit of a boy’s club at times, so the first time I listened to The Shivvers I was so fucking hyped. The harmonies and structure of this song are sweet and bright. The bridge comes in a little more than half way through and leads to some twangy Strat riffage—tuff as nails, yet sweet as sugar. Love, love, love The Shivvers. Big inspiration for my new song, “Undercover Lover.”
“Black And White” by The dB’s
This shit gets my goat every time. The time cuts, the sharpness of the delivery, and the over all attitude on this record make me move, jump, rattle and shake. In the second verse—when the guitars cut out and give space to the drums and bass—the bass switches into this super epic time swing that a music scholar could explain, but to me it is only magic.
“Starry Eyes” by The Records
Absolute fucking CLASSIC track and such a cool story through the song. It’s a bit longer than the average power pop hit, but I am not complaining. The whole song drives forward strong and brash, but still has that really nice boy feel you get from the dandy boys in the ‘80s. If you had to describe power pop you could just play this song and they would get it.
Definitely looking forward to the Softjaw album.
I'd never heard of Rockin' Horse before - great track! Also, those drums on that dB's tune is great.