APRIL 2023 REVIEWS

by Mike Baron

THE STAYAWAKES: Dogs and Cats/Living Together (Kool Kat)

The UK based Stayawakes are masters of power pop dynamics, with shifting chords and compelling riffs, like a winding country road through hill country, with fresh visions around every corner. Listen the compelling riff on “No Shame.” The success of power pop depends on compelling riffs, but after sixty years, what’s left to discover? Plenty, as the Stayawakes confirm. Suggestive of Michigan power poppers Ryan Allen and Nick Piunti, “Inevitable Truth” charts its own course. There’s a hint of Nashville twang in “Inevitable Truth,” and heavy-bottomed jangle on “Crrsed.” “Game of Pricks” and “No Shame” are acoustic, but the effect is the same. Ever shifting and delightful dynamics.

THE SHANG HI LOS: Aces Eights & Heartbreaks (Rum/bar)

Boston-based Shang Hi Los share a similar aesthetic to bandmate Sal Baglio, dealing in garage rock/roadhouse tropes with punk energy. “Takes One To Know One” is a raging river of rolling keyboards and percussion with an urgent Dan Kopko vocal. When Jen D’Angora sings, as on “Monsieur Valentine,” she summons echoes of the Shangri-Las, intended or not. “Billy” begins with a Spanish trumpet fanfare suitable for the Rango soundtrack. Shades of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass on “The Brave Bull.” “These Four Walls” carry more than a hint of ur punk, including the Ramones with a dollop of the Velvet Underground. Rollicking roadhouse rock.

ED RYAN: A Big Life (Kool Kat)

A Big Life has more hooks than a tackle box. It’s hard to believe this is the work of just one man, but Ryan plays every instrument, and sings in a compelling tenor as in the aspirational “Settle Down.” He’s not just carrying the melody. He’s dramatizing the vocals, as on the Proclaimers-like “As I Am.” “Wonder” is Dylanesque in imagery, but powerhouse pop in delivery. Harmonizing with himself on the title track, Ed summons the ghost of Supergrass. “Lighthouse” is Beatlesque, particularly the bridge. “Take Away Everything” resonates with wisdom and has that hortatory quality as on “As I Am.” “Testify” would not sound out of place on a Gary Ritchie album, and “Trial By Fire” offers mainline rock, like something The Connection or Arthur Alexander might sing. Destined for ten best.

RYAN ALLEN: The Last Rock Band (Setterwind)

Ryan Allen is the whole band on this concept album, conceived in 2020. Amid the pandemic and his activity with Extra Arms, it took three years to complete, each song examining the meaning of rock and roll and wondering if it’s worth it. It’s worth it. This is among his best records, and Allen has never released a bad record, with nods to classic rock and roll, particularly The Who with “Start A Band” that jumps out of the speakers like “Substitute” or “My Generation.” “Like the Ramones” resonates with classic rock tropes: Arthur Alexander, The Kingsmen, the Kinks or The Connection. Echoes “Behind Blue Eyes” are all over “Bought A Computer.” “Second Act” is pure power pop like Paul Collins with a Ulysses-like bassline, and “We Have Returned” is Lennonesque, but through it all Allen remains a distinctive voice and this record makes more sense than Tommy.