Tag Archives: Single Review

Single Review: David Myhr – “Summer Summer Summer”

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image courtesy of Earshot Media

Single Review of David Myhr: “Summer Summer Summer”

So, what am I doing sharing the sound of summer with you when summer’s over? Yeah, I don’t know. But hey, if there’s ever a song that could bring summer back, it’s David Myhr‘s “Summer Summer Summer”!

David released this song before the beginning of the summer, the first single of three pre-release singles from his album Everything Is All About You. Indeed, there’s plenty of good music on the album, but this single has been riding my playlist for months, so I’m just going to review it. Quick, while there’s maybe a warm day or two left for you to play the song while cruising the avenue with your windows rolled down.

photo courtesy of Earshot Media

Yes, “Summer Summer Summer” has that California beach/surf vibe. The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean. I’m not saying David Myhr sounds like them, but you can hear that influence, even if Myhr combines it with more straightforward fifties rock influences, as well. Myhr might be best known for fronting Swedish power-pop band The Merrymakers, but “Summer Summer Summer” is chock full of California melodic bubblegum pop-rock.

In any case, there’s only so much you can say to describe a sugary-sweet, sunshine-drenched, timeless pop-rock single like “Summer Summer Summer,” and I’ve run out of words. Indeed, though this fun song will now exit my review queue, I’ve added it to my personal playlist. And if this review has piqued your interest, you should definitely give it a listen on your streaming service of choice!

About the Album

Everything Is All About You, on which “Summer Summer Summer” appears, can be ordered on CD or vinyl now. You’ll have to wait until October 2nd for the album’s digital release.

Single Review: Crymwav – “Everything Turns Grey”

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photo courtesy of BJF PR

Single Review of Crymwav: “Everything Turns Grey”

Los Angeles-based power rockers Crymwav are Roger Deering (lead singer, rhythm guitar, bass), Lloyd Stuart Casson (lead guitar, vocals, bass), Pat Muzingo (drums), and Bruce Braddock (bass). Yeah, I know, that strikes me as far too many bass players, too, but that’s what their bio says. Regardless, the foursome recently released an inspired version of “Everything Turns Grey,” a energetically-performed track you’ve just gotta hear!

image courtesy of BJF PR

The song “Everything Turns Grey” is a cover of a 1981 Agent Orange release. As was true of that era’s punk rock, Agent Orange’s production was quite raw. Well, Crymwav beefs that up a bit in this rendition, which adheres pretty faithfully to the original while amping up the sound, providing a more tuneful vocal delivery, and more or less bringing the song forward into a more modern era.

As far as which fan based will most dig it, I’m not going to try to put this song into a box. Rather, I think a broad swath of rock ‘n roll fans are likely to enjoy this single. It’s raw enough for those who lean a little punk. Its energy is likely to appeal to those who like songs that promote physical movement, from a subtle head-nod to a full-on thrash-dancing seizure. The nifty guitar part shreds a little, albeit tunefully and with maybe even a hint of surf guitar. Bottom line: If you like rock ‘n roll of any stripe, this song is worth at least a few listens. If you’re anything like me, it’ll intrigue you at first and then grow on you with each subsequent spin.

Single Review: Randy C Moore – “Forget Me Not”

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photo by Linda Moore; photo courtesy of Margin Promo

Single Review: Randy C Moore – “Forget Me Not”

Texas country music singer Randy C Moore is back, this time with an exceptional original, the self-penned “Forget Me Not” released earlier this year. To be honest, when I reviewed Moore’s “Cat’s in the Cradle” cover, I was impressed, but this original is next-level outstanding. Clearly, if you’re not familiar with him (as I wasn’t until last year, though Texas country music fans seem to know him quite well), it’s time to discover Randy C Moore and add him to your personal playlists.

cover photo by Linda Moore; image courtesy of Margin Promo

This particular song, “Forget Me Not,” is an old-school, storytelling country & western strummer. Its beat is steady, moving progressively, consistently, inevitably forward, with the tempo seeming to build momentum, though it’s really just content and delivery of the story-song building upon itself, drawing the listener in. Moore’s deep, powerful vocals – very Johnny Cash-like in that they can simultaneously be matter-of-fact and convey emotion – are hypnotically rich, smooth, and deep. OK, not “Johnny Cash deep,” but still very cool and convincing. And did I say smooth? Yes, I did, but I’ll say it again because it’s a poised, composed smoothness that’ll make you want to hear more.

So, country music fans, especially if you enjoy older-school country, you’re gonna love this song. Within just a few listens, “Forget Me Not” will quickly become an old favorite for you, as it has become for me.

More Recently

Since the release of “Forget Me Not,” Randy has released a newer single, the energetic “High Cost of Low Livin’,” a song that shows off yet another stylistic twist on country music, showcasing yet more musical real estate that Randy can capably perform.

Single Review: Michelle Held – “Another Jane”

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photo by Robert Sherrow; photo courtesy of Michelle Held

Single Review of Michelle Held: “Another Jane”

You’ve read here once before about Michelle Held, one of Michigan’s most revered and talented folk singer-songwriters. Well, she has released another single, “Another Jane,” and it’s every bit as cool as you’d expect.

Those familiar with Held know her trademark vocal warble that’s unlike anyone else’s, adding texture and layers to her performance that are uniquely Held. Her songwriting, too, is deep and insightful. On this particular song, she digs into the persona of Jane Goodall, with Held’s vocal warmth matching the thoughtful kindness of the lyrics praising Goodall, mentioning her admirable personality traits and praiseworthy approach to the world, as well as touching upon key points of Goodall’s bio, coming to the now-obvious conclusion at the end of each verse that “we could use another Jane.”

cover image by Christopher Bennett; image courtesy of Michelle Held

Of course, whether or not someone steps into the void left behind by Jane Goodall, we can all glad we have one Michelle Held. Folk music fans, songwriting fans, or I suppose fans of chimpanzees should all check out this most recent single from one of Metro Detroit’s most talented singer-songwriters.

Looking Ahead

At the moment, according to the “Concerts” page of Michelle Held’s website, she only has one upcoming show booked, as a special guest on the October 18th stop of The 50th Anniversary of the Last Waltz Tour at the Token Lounge in Westland, MI. If you’re in the Detroit area, catch her there. And/or, of course, check her website periodically as new performances are added.

Single Review: Memoira – “Ikigai (Memories)”

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photo by Soft Neon Audiovisualin/Jerkka Perälä; photo courtesy of Inverse Records

Single Review of Memoira – “Ikigai (Memories)” (Inverse Records)

It’s been a while since I’ve shared some good symphonic, progressive metal here at the blog. Well, I can be perhaps a little too picky when I choose what to review this genre, but I definitely have a good one for you tonight. Finnish soaring power-rockers Memoira serve up an engaging, catchy song with “Ikigai (Memories),” a song that mostly lives in the stratosphere but also features some crunch machine-gun-tempo guitarwork in a couple spots.

image courtesy of Inverse Records

Krista Astrid Schröter (vocals) delivers the sternly earnest yet tunefully booming vocals, while the song powers forward in a 4 1/2 minutes that just seems to fly by thanks to the musicianship of Lassi Nuolivaara (keyboards, piano), Serdar Ilter (guitars), Niko Laaksonen (bass), and Kimmo Puhakka (drums).

The song itself encourages the listeners to live their lives, with lyrics like “Let the rain wash away all your pain. Life can end in just one day. Make those memories, make those memories last” delivering its message a little abruptly – or, perhaps, directly – but with solid melodic power.

If you’re a fan of musical transitions, about a minute, there’s a nifty “ah, ah” vocal transition, and a little past the song’s midpoint, there’s a musical bridge where the keys and guitars break things down and recalibrate the song’s sound a bit before launching back into the chorus and the song’s closing stanzas.

If you’re a fan of symphonic, edgy, hard-rocking progressive metal, Memoira is a band you should hear. And “Ikigai (Memories)” is a fantastic place to start.

Single Review: Ben Reel – “Bring It Back to Life”

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image courtesy of Rhí Cobra Promotions

Single Review of Ben Reel: “Bring It Back to Life”

Ben Reel is a gravelly-voiced crooner who’ll keep you engaged beginning to end as his voice commands attention while carving a blues-based rockin’ path atop the big, sweeping soundbed of “Bring It Back to Life.” The song feels a little loungy in the very best way, with the chorus tapping into a seventies-rock energy, while the verses more recall the wordy folk-rocksmiths from the same era. At the same time, there’s an anxious edge in the song that’s very modern. Just to keep things interesting, there’s a Beatles-esque bridge.

Sure, “Bring It Back to Life” is a great song, but Reel’s exceptional vocal performance – and that voice itself! – is what really sells it. Needless to say, this will quickly become a new favorite, a song you look forward to on your daily playlist.

More Recently

“Bring It Back to Life” was an advance single from Ben’s Spirit’s Not Broken album. I’ve not yet heard any of the other tracks on the record, but it’s an exceptional promotional calling card for the full-length disc, indeed!

Single Reviews: Jennifer Tefft and the Strange – “Salt and the Sea,” “A Little More,” and “Silver”

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photo by Mike TD Photo; photo courtesy of Knyvet

Single Reviews of Jennifer Tefft and the Strange: “Salt and the Sea,” “A Little More,” and “Silver”

Kickass New England rockers Jennifer Tefft and the Strange are back! And by “back,” I mean that the 2024 New England Music Awards Album of the Year winners have released three singles over the last eight or nine months. But hey, they’re back on the Blog!

cover art by Stephen “Sharky” Beccia; image courtesy of Jennifer Tefft

“Salt and the Sea” dropped in November 2025, featuring the foursome of Jennifer Tefft (vocals, acoustic guitar), John Parrillo (guitar), Stephen “Sharky” Beccia (bass), and Tim Provost (drums), as did “A Little More,” released in February 2026. Chris Jost has taken Provost’s place on the skins, appearing in a recording for the first time on the new single “Silver,” released just last month, in June 2026.

On their trio of recent singles, Jennifer Tefft & the Strange confirm their place as one of the region’s premier straightforward guitar-driven rock bands. While this kind of music has increasingly been referred to as alternative rock, it’s the sort of music that, in previous decades, would have been radio rock and/or album-oriented rock, though an AOR band with hit single potential.

photo by John Parrillo; photo courtesy of Knyvet

“Salt and the Sea” is the Strange’s haunting yet precisely, relentlessly, methodically advancing cover of The Lumineers’ song of, obviously, the same name. Indeed, the song builds and builds, vocally and musically gaining strength but still remaining a little ethereally aloof, sonically speaking. If you’re familiar with the original, the Strange’s cover is in some ways very true to the original, but at the same time, in their hands it’s a kickass rock song. The pianowork on the original becomes an enigmatic pulsing rockin’ rhythm, and Tefft herself puts a little more of a smooth finish on the vocals. Still just as haunting, but haunting as sung by a top shelf rock vocalist.

cover art by Stephen “Sharky” Beccia; cover design by Jennifer Tefft; image courtesy of Knyvet

“A Little More” was a re-release of a song Tefft had recorded solo. This is the full-band’s rendition, noted on Bandcamp as “A Little More (Strange Version).” If I circle back and listen to the earlier recording, it was indeed stripped-down. This is very much to rock concert version, and for those of us who prefer full band performances, I absolutely dig the makeover. There’s a recent Jennifer Tefft and the Strange are a popular draw when they perform live, and it’s because of what this talented group of musicians is able to achieve as a foursome. As such, this recording of “A Little More” delivers this great song with a rich, full sound that makes it pop.

cover art by Stephen “Sharky” Beccia; cover design by Jennifer Tefft; image courtesy of Knyvet

Finally, just a few weeks ago, the band released its new single “Silver.” The rhythm section drives this not-quite-anthemic, mid-tempo, mainstream-friendly alt-rocker, while guitarist Parrillo weaves some nuanced guitarwork into the song to really make it stand out. Granted, with a powerhouse vocalist like Tefft behind the mic, every song’s going to jump off the vinyl a little, but the Strange next-levels it to be a memorable song. The line “where’s my silver lining day” might sound a little Bangles-ish, and I’ve often compared Tefft’s voice to Pat Benatar, but this song features an in-between, edgy mainstream alt-rock howl that not’s really quite either. And after hearing an album-plus of Jennifer Tefft and the Strange songs, I really think this one taps into the very best of the band’s sound, a song that seems not to call for comparison but, rather, is definitive of the band’s Strange sound. “Silver” is what a Jennifer Tefft and the Strange hit song/crowd favorite, in their identifiable sound, would sound like. Rather, does sound like.

Jennifer Tefft and the Strange are one of the region’s top bands, so if you don’t have their new material, then you’ll be psyched to hear about these new releases. And if you’re new to the band, well, hey, this is just the start. You have some back catalog to check out, too. Lucky you!

Single Review: The Dollyrots – “Attention Span”

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photo by Jen Rosenstein; photo courtesy of Earshot Media

Single Review of The Dollyrots: “Attention Span” (Wicked Cool Records)

The Dollyrots are the husband-wife duo of Kelly Ogden (bass, vocals) and Luis Cabezas (guitar), and I feel like the Dollyrots’ catchiness is well-known, even among those who haven’t heard their music before. But if that’s the case, well, the band’s new release “Attention Span” is a good place to start. It’s a fun, energetic song with the spirit of old-school punk, the hookiness of modern pop-punk, and an energetic joy that’ll appeal well beyond either of those categories of music fans. (The band itself, in its Instagram bio, refers to itself as a “bubblegum punk band,” and yeah, that sounds like a perfect description.)

image courtesy of Earshot Media

The sound itself is throwback. In fact, this seems like something Cher and her friends might listen to in Clueless. The movie, not the TV show. As if! The opening guitar riffs are raw and staticky, but once the song kicks in they’re crisper and tunefully crunchy, driving the song forward along with the rhythm section (with John Fields providing drums on this recording), both leaving enough soundspace to feature the vocals.

What does all that mean? It means that this is a catchy, fun song you’re likely to get into really quickly. Like, by the end of the first listen. Totally. But in all seriousness, this is a seriously fun song!

 

Single Reviews: The Ringer Soundtrack – “In Real Time” and “Voicemail”

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photo by Sean Hall @ PowerPro Media; photo courtesy of Knyvet

Single Reviews of The Ringer Soundtrack: “In Real Time” and “Voicemail”

Boston’s The Ringer Soundtrack has a sound that’s a blend of pop and alt-rock, and the two singles that have found their way to my inbox in the last year represent different ends of the band’s musical spectrum, from distorted heavy-sounding slow rock (“In Real Time”) to a lighter, poppier version of alt-rock (“Voicemail”).

image courtesy of Knyvet

The Ringer Soundtrack – Mick Coyne (vocals and piano), Brandon Forbes Dalrymple (guitars), and Ross Goodwin (bass) – serve up a modern sound that harkens back to the college rock bands of two or three decades ago, putting their personal spin on a style that’s both timeless and a little underrepresented sonically these days, offering the band a chance to claim its own slice of the modern music landscape… or pie, if I don’t want to mix metaphors.

As much as I stand by the sound comparison, the opening distortion field of “In Real Time” is most decidedly modern, its warped notes opening into a distorted guitar riff that dominates the sound field – the static field seeming impossibly almost visible – before vocals enter more than a minute in, serving up an alt-pop, broad audience appealing, almost radio-friendly tunefulness. The song remains widely accessible, leaning into its pop influence vocally and lyrically while refusing to discard its distorted sacrificial offering to the college guitar rock gods. You’ve heard all of these musical ingredients before, but there’s just something a little unique within the particular recipe of “In Real Time.”

image courtesy of Knyvet

“Voicemail,” meanwhile, deploys less thick (but by no means light) instrumentation and embraces a little more pop-rock bounciness in its music and neatly rhythmic lead vocal cadence. It’s still a little rough around the edges, giving that raw edge you’d expect from a college rock band, and despite the increased nod to pop-rock sensibilities when compared with “In Real Time,” Dalrymple’s guitar riffs are everpresent in “Voicemail,” with the guitar line’s nuances a little more evident thanks to the lack of distortion.

When you listen to both songs, “Voicemail” serves as a nice counterpoint to “In Real Time,” confirming that The Ringer Soundtrack has range, and that’s exactly what you want from a live band (or a long-form recording). It leaves you wanting more.

photo courtesy of The Ringer Soundtrack via Knyvet

More Recently

Speaking of wanting more, just a couple weeks ago, the band provided more with its release of “Signals.” I just gave it a quick listen, as opposed to “In Real Time” and “Voicemail,” which have been part of my review queue for a while now, but “Signals” leans back toward the distorted aura of “In Real Time,” though with its own nuances, obviously. After a quick listen, “Signals” just solidifies my opinion that, if you’re an alt-rock fan, The Ringer Soundtrack ought to be on your radar.

Single Review: Rocketsuit Rogue – “The Best Last Day on Earth”

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image courtesy of Earshot Media

Single Review of Rocketsuit Rogue: “The Best Last Day on Earth”

Rocketsuit Rogue, led by former Zebrahead frontman Matty Lewis (songwriter, vocalist, guitarist), is set to release its debut album, Hello, Apocalypse!, on August 21st. “The Best Last Day on Earth” is the third (and most recent) single released in advance of the album.

The first two singles, “Our Last Parade” and “Home Sweet Home (Sweet Misery),” gave raucous, faster-than-typical pop-punk vibes, showing off some neatly blistering guitar riffs and intense vocals, with the former leaning a little more anarchic punky while the latter pegged the tunefulness harmony needle a little bit harder. When compared with the first two single releases, I think “The Best Last Day on Earth” has a much stronger chance to attract a massive crossover audience, appealing to fans spanning multiple rock ‘n roll subgenres.

photo courtesy of Earshot Media

“Best Last Day…” gets faster-paced in spots, but mostly it’s a mid-tempo, alt-rock number with radio-friendly tunefulness. The tone, tempo, and melodiousness all remind me of one of my favorite fun, uber-catchy, mid-speed rock bands, Best Not Broken. Right from the get-go, the guitar tone on “Best Last Day…” is warm and a little swoopy (by that I mean not slack but still a bit beachy), there’s some playfulness in the tempo, and the verses adeptly set up the “whoa-oh!” level-up to the power of the peppy chorus. Drum use, bent guitar lick as a transition, vocal breakdown in the late song lyrical bridge, faster tempo in the back half of the song to keep the energy up – it’s as if every hook-creating, crowd-appealing tactic has been thrown into a single song, and it all works.

So, yeah, if you like pop music, rock music, pop-punk, really anything with a guitar, you’ve gotta hear “The Best Last Day on Earth.” It may be the catchiest song you hear this year, and it might even become your song of the summer. You can thank me later.