Tag Archives: Single Review

Single Reviews: The Chelsea Curve’s 2025 singles

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photo by Trebmal Photography; photo courtesy of Knyvet

Single Reviews of The Chelsea Curve: “Jamie C’mon (Andy Lewis Remix)”/”Hey Sah-Lo-Ney,” “Kindawanna,” “Never Come Down,” and “Rally ‘Round”

The Chelsea Curve is an award-winning Boston-area rock band whose style is a Brit rock-inspired blend of hook-laden pop, alt-rock, and groove-rock, delivered with a punk-ish attitude. The band calls itself “retro mod pop,” and whatever that means, it sounds accurate. The trio that comprise The Chelsea Curve are Linda Pardee (bass, vocals), Tim Gillis (guitars, vocals), and Bruce Caporal (drums). The band released several singles in 2025, covering a lot of stylistic real estate within its corner of rock ‘n roll, all in the uniquely original style that makes the outfit such a consistent draw and an original artistic beacon on the regional music scene.

cover design by Linda Pardee; image courtesy of Knyvet

Back in May, The Chelsea Curve released the double A-side 7-inch single “Jamie C’mon (Andy Lewis Remix)” and “Hey Sah-Lo-Ney,” two energetic songs that typify what you might call swing alt-rock, combining groovy, sixties-inspired distorted guitar riffs with a more modern rock edginess. The first of the two songs, “Jamie C’mon,” was previously released as a single in 2022. This remix is rough-edged and carries its tempo forward as if attacking the listener – enjoyable, but at the same time it sort of feels unsafe not to like it. Fortunately, it’s a fun groove that starts strong and then grows stronger with each subsequent listen, so fear not.

cover design by Linda Pardee; image courtesy of Knyvet

“Hey Sah-Lo-Ney,” meanwhile, is an amped-up cover of Mickey Lee Lane’s surfin’-and-swingin’ 1965 rocker. Of course, The Chelsea Curve updates the sound and produces a cleaner, more modern-ear-friendly rendition that’s surprisingly similar to the original. Regardless, it’s a fun song with a time-warp factor, and I had never heard the original (or any of its previous covers) before, so to me, it’s just a cool new song.

cover design by Linda Pardee; image courtesy of Knyvet

In July, The Chelsea Curve released another fun, raw, swinging rocker with a more summertime theme, “Kindawanna.” It’s a fun, fast-paced, rough-edged, radio-friendly rocker that’s over so quickly, thanks in part to its breakneck speed, leaving just the lyric “Kindawanna have a bottle of Prosecco with you! Kindawanna ride around on your Lambretta with you! I Kindawanna be your everything!” I’m already looking forward to next summer when I can roll down the windows and crank this one while cruisin’ the boulevard.

The Chelsea Curve hits a similarly thumping beat on its August release, “Never Come Down.” The tempo’s just a hair slower, and the guitar swirl a bit more substantial, throwing off a strong vocal-harmony, alt-rock vibe.

cover design by Linda Pardee; image courtesy of Knyvet

The band’s fifth song released in 2025, “Rally ‘Round,” was part of The Sound Cove’s Super Sonic Showcase, Volume 1, a sampler released in October by singles-only record label The Sound Cove. “Rally ‘Round” was probably The Chelsea Curve’s poppiest 2025 release, with an updated spin on a pop-rock style that dominated the college rock scene back in the ’90s, yet again with that throwback ’60s-ish vibe. It’s a pleasant song with a rhythmic motor that keeps it moving in a moderately joyful way. Overall, the song is engaging and fun – another excellent addition to your Chelsea Curve music collection.

photo by Reuben; photo courtesy of Knyvet

Of these five songs, I think “Never Come Down” would be my favorite if only “Hey Sah-Lo-Ney” weren’t such a damn memorable earworm. Really, though, this way-too-cool Boston outfit simply treated us to four kickass singles in 2025. Yes, they released five songs, but one release was a two-sided single, so that’s four singles. Regardless, if you’re seeking cool pop-rock that’s a little edgy, check out The Chelsea Curve’s catchy collection of 2025 single releases. I hope they have some more cool tunes in store for us in 2026.

To keep up with the latest from The Chelsea Curve, see the band’s linktree.

Single Review: Kurt Frohlich – “Worry”

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image courtesy of BJF Media

Single Review of Kurt Frohlich: “Worry” (Golden Robot Records)

When reading about Kurt Frohlich‘s “Worry,” the ’80s UK new wave influence and comparisons to Depeche Mode and The Cure are mentioned, but what jumps out to me, someone whose ’80s background is more ’80-classic than ’80s-modern, are the ’70s classic rock influences I hear. Namely, “Worry” builds slowly, employs heavy rock beats and kind-of-spacy, almost progressive guitarwork, combined with a distinct dystopian feeling, to deliver a song that could have come directly from Pink Floyd’s The Wall. The arrangement, the slow build, the guitarwork… “Worry” is a kickass rock song with a dark, echoey vibe in common with the aforementioned new wave acts. To me, that adds up to broad appeal.

photo courtesy of BJF Media

For my classic rockin’ friends, you’re definitely going to enjoy this song, and even if it’s not a quick hit, it’ll grow on you. I’d love to hear from some of my brooding new wave friends (at least, you leaned a little dark when we were young) to hear what you think of this song, too.

More Recently

“Worry” was a pre-release single for Kurt’s full-length album 1987. Be sure to check that out, too.

Looking Ahead

The “gigs” page of Kurt’s website lists a few upcoming shows for a couple of Kurt’s band projects, The Spazmatics and the Hooligans. You can check back periodically for more shows, and you can follow Kurt on Facebook or Instagram to keep up with his latest goings-on.

 

Single Review: Randy C Moore – “Cat’s in the Cradle”

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image courtesy of Margin Promo

Single Review of Randy C Moore: “Cat’s in the Cradle”

Here’s something you probably never knew you needed. It’s a country version of “Cat’s in the Cradle“! This recording, by notable Texas country music artist Randy C Moore, delivers the poignance of Harry Chapin’s megahit original but with a country music cadence and slight drawl that, if anything, serves to further emphasizes the song’s earnestness. Randy’s rendition is based in classic country but with fresh-feeling production that doesn’t limit its appeal to old-school country music fans.

photo courtesy of Margin Promo

When played side-by-side with Chapin’s original, the songs differ a little more than is initially apparent, which makes Randy’s effort even more impressive. In any case, Randy C Moore’s cover of “Cat’s in the Cradle” is something country music fans should hear; it’ll be a worthy addition to your collections and a welcome entry in your playlists.

Looking Ahead

With his booming, emotive voice and country music-style gravitas, Randy C Moore is clearly someone whose live performances are likely to be a must-see. If you’re in East Texas, you’ll be able to catch Randy near you in February. He has two February shows scheduled in Tyler, plus one performance each in Nacogdoches, Woodville, and Lufkin. His website, here, lists times and locations. If you’re in the area, be sure to check your calendars.

Single Review: Erin Gibney – “Wasted Potential”

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image courtesy of Skye Media

Single Review of Erin Gibney: “Wasted Potential”

Erin Gibney keeps turning out well-written, engaging, memorable singles. “Wasted Potential” is another such song. Based on the breakup of a long-term relationship, this one seems particularly personal. The song itself is mellow, soaring, and richly-produced, as if a warm, supportive musical womb supporting the singer and everyone else who can relate far-too-personally to the song’s lyrics.

I guarantee this song will connect with a wide range of listeners. Erin’s very identifiable vocals play a role, positioning the song as a supportive, understanding friend, perhaps the friend who brings the ice cream. Residing in that gap between pure pop and country-pop, “Wasted Potential” has broad appeal; it only needs to find people’s ears just once. “Wasted Potential” is simply an excellent song that confirms Gibney’s songwriting talent.

photo by Erin Gibney; photo courtesy of Skye Media

More Recently

A quick look at Erin’s Spotify suggests that she has released two (or three) songs since “Wasted Potential.” The most recent of Gibney’s songs to reach my inbox was “Wasted Potential,” so I haven’t yet listened to the newer tracks, but Erin’s a talented songwriter who doesn’t disappoint, so I look forward to giving her post-“Wasted Potential” releases – “Risk It”, “Dangerous”, “Dangerous (Stripped)” – a listen.

I’d still suggest beginning your journey with “Wasted Potential.” It’s an exceptional song, a song that should earn singer-songwriter Erin Gibney – or, at least, songwriter Erin Gibney – some (more) well-deserved attention. I’m hoping it’s the first one, of course. I dig Erin’s delivery and hope to be listening to her sing her own songs for a long, long time.

More Erin Gibney Reviews

This is the third time I’ve reviewed Erin’s music. Be sure to check out my prior reviews. In 2023, I reviewed “You Made Your Bed,” and last year I reviewed “Kryptonite” and “By June.”

Single Review: Born Riot – “Home”

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photo courtesy of Cameron Carpenter on behalf of Born Riot

Single Review of Born Riot: “Home”

Sarnia is home of the Sting. Just over the bridge from Port Huron. And the home base of talented heavy rock band Born Riot. The foursome is comprised of Andrew Colborne (vocals, guitar), Griffin (guitar, vocals), Ryan McCann (bass), and Tyler Smith (drums).

“Home” is an aggressive, heavy rockin’ single with ample melody. It’ll catch your attention as subtly as a semi truck but as nimbly as a slalom skier – so picture an 18-wheeler deftly maneuvering the slopes, but as music. The song it recalls most for me is Pearl Jam’s “Evenflow.” So yeah, catchy but heavy.

image courtesy of Cameron Carpenter on behalf of Born Riot

Subtly, I also hear some Southern rock influence, but where would a bunch of guys from Sarnia would pick that up? I suppose, probably the same place I did, by listening to bands like .38 Special, though I sense perhaps a little more Brother Cane. Or maybe Georgia Satellites. But it’s a little rougher-edged than that, as if R.E.M.’s in the room, too. I fear I’m overemphasizing the Southern flavor, though, since it’s mostly a melodic heavy rock stew with maybe a dash of Tony Chachere’s. Additionally, though I mention a Pearl Jam song, it’s really not grunge, either. “Home” is a heavy rock song with a dominant riff and prominent musical sequences that remind me of a single Pearl Jam song that had massive crossover appeal to straight-ahead classic heavy rock fans.

tl;dr: If you’re a fan of heavy rock music that’s powerful but melodic, you will enjoy Born Riot’s “Home.” It’s as simple as that. Give it a listen!

Single Review: Scott McDonald – “Wave”

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photo courtesy of Scott McDonald

Single Review of Scott McDonald: “Wave” (Bongo Boy Records)

“Wave,” a Scott McDonald single that dropped in the spring of 2025, in advance of his summer 2025 full-length album release See It Through, absolutely rocks! It’s been in my playlist for quite a while not, but of course, if you haven’t heard it yet, it’s new to you.

image courtesy of Scott McDonald

If “Wave” is any indication, McDonald is a talented axeman with a penchant for writing catchy, hook-laden songs. Certainly, now that the single has risen to the top of my review queue, it has made me excited to circle back and check out the rest of the album. For now, though, I’ll focus on the single I’ve been enjoying for many months.

The song kicks off with raw, rockin’ guitarwork, which is joined by other instrumentation, then big-sound, cheerful vocals, leading to a song-long uptempo, cheerful-sounding adrenaline rush. Some musical flourishes, tone changes, and key changes intercede, but the tempo remains steady, energetic, and insistent. During the verses, choruses, bridges, and guitar solo, the song is relentlessly energetic.

photo by John Bruno; courtesy of Scott McDonald

It’s also an oddly cheerful song, given its subject matter. It’ll make you smile, even as you’re singing along with lyrics about the end of a relationship: “I still wonder where it all went wrong. Tell me how it stayed alive so very long. I still wonder why it seemed to change. We were watching as it slowly slipped away. All we can do is walk away and wave.” Smiling, apparently, with rockin’ skip in our steps. Indeed, if this song doesn’t get you smiling, you don’t have a pulse. If you like guitar-driven, pop-friendly, hooky rock tracks, this will quickly become one of your favorite songs.

More Recently

As noted, following the spring 2025 release of “Wave, the album that includes “Wave,” See It Through, was released in the summer of 2025. I’ve only listened to snippets of a couple of songs, but “Wave” seems indicative of the overall sound, though as is often the case with a singer-songwriter-axemaster, the ratio of guitar-shredding to hooky tunefulness may vary from song to song.

Looking forward, Scott’s Facebook page seems to be a good place to remain up-to-date with his music.

Single Review: Matthew Holtby – “This is Bliss”

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image courtesy of Cameron Carpenter on behalf of Matthew Holtby

Single Review of Matthew Holtby: “This is Bliss”

“This is Bliss” is a song that’s sneakily catchy. It’s a mellow, not-quite-balladic pop song with a smooth-as-molasses veneer, supporting Matthew Holtby‘s tonally-pleasant, precise-yet-emotionally-connected vocals.

The song, says Holtby, is “a lovely little tale of the life my wife and I have created together, plain and simple. Every word is true.” It’s a sweet, pleasant, richly-produced soft pop tune, sonically and lyrically blissful, true to its title.

photo courtesy of Cameron Carpenter on behalf of Matthew Holtby

The big unanswered question is how a song can be cool with lyrics like this, about marital harmony: “I know I write a lot of sappy shit. But I don’t care, I love the way we live. This is bliss.” But the song’s a great listen, and I’m sure you’ll want to add it to some of your playlists.

Holtby self-produced the song at his home studio, with mixing assistance from Colin Kennedy, joined musically by cello and violin-work from David Shewchuk.

So, if you’re looking for a smooth, pleasant listen that’s cooler than it most obvious comparables, check out “This Is Bliss.”

More About Matthew Holtby

Honestly, just click on some of the links on this longest-I’ve-ever-seen linktree to learn more about Matthew’s music and related endeavors.

Single Review: Dustin Brown – “Ballerina”

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photo by Katie Langley; photo courtesy of RPR Media

by Eric Harabadian, Contributing Blogger

Single Review of Dustin Brown: “Ballerina”

Dustin Brown is a Texas-born singer-songwriter from the Fort Worth area. He’s a mix of country and Americana that is part of a neo-traditional movement in music. He’s been pegged with a poetic “blue collar” style and way of storytelling that’s one part Kris Kristofferson and one part Jason Isbell. He does so by blending bits of Southern rock, “red dirt,” folk, and blues to regale his tales of working-class life, personal growth, and small-town America.

image courtesy of RPR Media

Brown knows of where and what he speaks, having spent a number of years working various jobs such as commercial diver and oil field land man. Undoubtedly those experiences have provided a wealth of inspiration and spark for some of his best songs. He’s in touch with the people and, along with some of the best like-minded original songsmiths, wants his songs to naturally tap into shared emotions and connect with others.

The Texas troubadour has released three full-length albums, with a fourth in the works. The song “Ballerina” is unique in that, not only is it a stand-alone single, not available on any other album, but it is a collaboration between Brown and two other fellow singer-songwriters, Billy Hartman and Rachel Cole. Hartman and Cole are accomplished artists in their own right, with Hartman recording a number of singles and albums under his belt and Cole having toured with the late, great Todd Snider and signed with Snider’s Aimless Records.

photo by Katie Langley; photo courtesy of RPR Media

It’s a lot of collective creative firepower for a single that tells a delicately detailed, yet simple story. The Brown and Hartman-penned song focuses on a relationship and character study of a girl from three different perspectives. All three artists take a verse on the country-folk song supported by complementary mandolin, slide and acoustic  guitar. Brown’s seemingly naked and vulnerable voice leads the charge and paints a vividly intimate aural picture.

Single Review: Pylot – “Faded Light” (feat. Ezra Hyte)

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image courtesy of BJF Media

Single Review of Pylot: “Faded Light” (feat. Ezra Hyte) (FiXT)

With “Faded Light,” Pylot delivers a haunting synthwave-based, emotionally powerful, radio-friendly pop song whose pattern-based, light-touch, scattershot synth and rhythmic drumbeat combine in a musical backdrop ideally suited to Ezra Hyte‘s emotional vocals. On this recording, Hyte’s vox remind me of Dean Lewis, while Pylot’s music bed is sparse enough to let the vocals drive the melody.

cover art: Pylot – "Faded Light" (feat. Ezra Hyte)

image courtesy of BJF Media

The tempo of “Faded Light” is slow, but the rhythm bounces like a boxer dancing around the ring, sizing up the melody, as Hyte’s vocals reside in the echoey, soft-touch, heart-wrenching yet pleasantly tuneful end of the Lewis-esque sincere power-pop vocal range.

In the end, Pylot’s music and Hyte’s voice combine on “Faded Light” to deliver a sad song that’ll appeal to a broad range of music fans, from those whose heartbreak songs are usually of the classic rock variety to listeners with more modern tastes. Simply put, this is a very cool song music fans really ought to be aware of; if you haven’t heard it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a spin.

Single Reviews: Copper Flats – “Should’ve Been Doin’,” “Household Name,” and “Airplanes and Telephones”

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photo by Misty C Photos; photo courtesy of Skye Media

Single Reviews of Copper Flats: “Should’ve Been Doin’,” “Household Name,” and “Airplanes and Telephones”

Copper Flats is the trio of Brandon Kelly (lead vocals), Jeremy Castaldo (keys/acoustic guitar/electric guitar/background vocals), and Drew Smith (acoustic guitar/background vocals). And “Should’ve Been Doin’,” “Household Name,” and “Airplanes and Telephones” are the band’s first trio of song releases. Three singles, three different nuances on a bigtime, bowl-you-over, massive country music sound. Copper Flats explodes out of the blocks with these catchy, radio-ready arena-pleasers. Simply put, if you like modern guitar-driven country music, you’ll dig Copper Flats.

photo by Misty C Photos; photo courtesy of Skye Media

One of my personal complaints about this type of music is that the songs can be formulaic and unimaginative. Copper Flats does tug at many of the stereotypical heartstrings, as their songs delve heavily into the topics of home, family, and nostalgia, but they don’t get lazy with their lyrics or their instrumentation. That’s the difference between pretender and contender in the world of big, booming, rockin’ country music. It’s also a necessity to get a review with my byline here at the blog. (“Just like everyone else” doesn’t cut it with me.)

image courtesy of Skye Media

The big, swirling guitar that kicks off “Should’ve Been Doin'” reminds me of something Lonestar might do. (You may have noticed over the years that if I reference Lonestar, that’s a big compliment.) It’s a simple, homespun life message packaged in a catchy veneer, a pop-friendly ode to the simple life with a message that appeals broadly. And they namedrop George Strait in the lyrics – you can’t go wrong with that! Plus, it sports a hook that’ll have you remembering it for a while.

image courtesy of Skye Media

Until, of course, you hear “Household Name.” Putting a fun spin on the term, celebrating small-town family life, the energetic verses lead to a memorably hooky payoff in the title lyric. I’m also a bit partial to the late-song musical breakdown that’ll give you chills if you’re in just the right mood. In the promo material, Castaldo captures the song’s essence: “We don’t need fortune and fame, but thank God every day for the lives he’s blessed us with and the opportunities to lead our families and households well.” That’s about as cool a message as there is. You oughta give this song a listen.

image courtesy of Skye Media

The third Copper Flats single, though, topped these first two in catchiness, and believe me when I say that’s not easy. In fact, I’d rather listen to these three songs in order than just one on repeat. Yet “Airplanes and Telephones” is probably the best of the three. It’s a wistful heartbreak song penned by country hit-writers Andrew Dorff, Jonathan Singleton, and Zach Crowell, that sports a big country sound, surging with power, peaking into the title lyric, then releasing into another thoughtful lyric, all wrapped up in a tuneful package with some kickass electric axework dancing through it to help it rock.

Based on these three songs, I have no doubt Copper Flats would be a fun live show and is capable of reliably releasing singles and albums that’ll appeal to any country music fan, as well as plenty of us with broader musical tastes who simply enjoy catchy, energetic performances of well-written songs.

photo by Misty C Photos; photo courtesy of Skye Media

More Recently

The band has a couple more recently-released songs on Spotify – “Golden” and “Blue Collar Man” – though I haven’t heard them yet. (I’ve just been churning through my review playlist.) I’ll have to check them out when I get the chance.

Looking Ahead

This is a sound that’s almost certain to play well live, and they have several shows coming up. In November, you can catch the band in Conway, El Dorado, and Paris, Arkansas. The first week of December, they’ll be performing with Sister Hazel in Pontiac, Michigan on December 4th and in Wabash, Indiana on December 5th. And Copper Flats has a New Year’s Eve show in Benton, Arkansas. Be sure to check out the “Tour” page of the band’s website for times and locations of those shows, as well as additional performances, as they’re added.

You can also see all of the Copper Flats’ social and other key links at its linktree.