A lot of bands get softer as their careers progress. Whether that’s due to the righteous anger of youth fading, record companies and producers “sanding off the rough edges” for commercial radio, or just the members getting old, it’s an annoyingly common career trajectory. The Replacements, Cheap Trick, pretty much every punk band that went “New Wave”…heck, even the mighty Led Zeppelin’s last album is pretty flaccid, if you’re willing to admit it. So it’s a pleasure to report that the San Francisco band The Spiral Electric have bucked this trend, and grown steadily heavier, in live and on record, since their earliest incarnation. While they were never exactly “soft” in their…
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POW Magazine Newsletter #6
New international shoegaze and psych releases featuring Asteroid No.4, Brian Jonestown Massacre, A Place To Bury Strangers, Muun Bato, Black Doldrums and more! Stay hip to the scene in 2024.
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Singles Round Up: The Outset, Shadow Show, Girl Tones, The Snares
The Outset- “But I Learned”/”Baker’s Husband” The newest offering from So-Cal’s The Outset features 2 tracks sounding straight out of the mid 60s. “But I Learned” is more straightforward rock n roll- think Yardbirds, Stones, early Who. The production style is perfect for this sound as well. “Baker’s Husband” leans more psych, a more 67/68-ish vibe. I love the jangle guitar, the rawness of the sound, and the more catchy, powerpop type psych going on here. A vintage sound done really well and with loads of style. https://theoutset.bandcamp.com/album/but-i-learned-bakers-husband Shadow Show: “Baba Yaga” w/ “Spy Balloon” Detroit trio Shadow Show continue to make some of the most interesting and complex psych…
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Pow Magazine Music Audio Premiere: Dead Visions | Take My Hand
Pow Magazine Music Audio Premiere: I’m excited to share that Dead Visions has just released their new single, “Take My Hand.” This is the second release from their upcoming album, “Myself,” which is set to drop at the end of the year. For those unfamiliar, Dead Visions is an Italian rock band led by the multi-talented Francesco Mandelli, also known as Nongio. While their 2020 debut LP, “A Sea Of Troubles,” had a distinctly garage punk sound, “Take My Hand” showcases a new direction for the band. This melancholic ballad, with its rich arrangements and expansive sound, hints at the more personal and inspired direction of the forthcoming album. “Take…
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Coywolf’s Dangerous Album Our Spells
Our Spells has psyched out rock from front to back. The ringing vocal harmonies tale the songs to glorious heights. The guitars utilize a variety of effects for pleasurable tones and textures from 60s jangle to spaced echos, swirling modulations and molten fuzz-wah.
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COOL GHOULS | At George’s Zoo
Released in March 2021, this album includes lots of the band’s songs written during the pandemic era. Formed in 2011, this is the bands fourth album as they continue to hone in on their sound. They are not afraid to be melodic in any way and embrace their pop sensibilities. Songs about beaches and surfboards, with a heavy Brian Wilson influence, sit alongside more garage-type songs and imaginative guitar solos. “It’s Over” starts off the album with bells and vocal harmonies, with a huge sound to follow, including horns and regal fanfare on the chorus section. “To You I’m Bound” is a fun and catchy love song with a memorable…
