I
try not to focus on any particular musical genre on this blog, though
regular readers, (if indeed there are any!), will know that pysch,
garage, baroque-pop, acid-folk and soul are perennially pleasing for
me. But Harmonic Distortion is really a place where anything goes.
It's been a mindset that has broadened my horizons immensely. Be it Nordic jazz, Italian doom metal or experimental electronica, I try and cover it all.
When
I'm in need of an emotional lift there's one type of music that never
fails to lift the spirits. It's a genre I've not written about much
on here but then proportional representation is not really my thing.
I'm talking about powerpop. Highly melodic songs, played in a
forthright manner by a traditional four-piece band set up. Big on
harmonies, guitar hooks, propulsive bass and drums. It's music that
puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step. Recent powerpop
artists whose work I've enjoyed include Nick Piunti and ANC.
The
heyday for powerpop was in the late '70s into the early '80s, often blurring the boundaries with punk and new-wave. A time
when short sharp songs, were back in fashion along with skinny ties.
The economy of '60s Brit-invasion sounds had started to sound fresh
and inspirational again after the bloated excess of mid-'70s rock. I
don't claim to be an expert on first-wave powerpop, far from it, so
it's always a pleasure to be pointed towards fine examples. I was
recently contacted through my Twitter page by George Faulkner, owner
of Bolt Records and member of a New York-based band called The
Rabies, who were active in the early '80s. The four original members
have recently reconvened to record a new single which I highly
recommend. 'Adderall Girl' b/w 'You're The Glue' is available as a
traditional 7” vinyl single or as a stream/download. It hits the
spot. 'Adderall Girl' is a pure distillation of boy-meets-girl rock
'n' roll goodness. Its equally enjoyable B-side 'You're the Glue'
clocks in at under two minutes but does what it has to do. A smash
and grab lesson in melodic sensibility. Here's a little background on
the band from George himself...
Not
the Canadian pop Rabies, Czech hardcore Rabies, nor Chinese speed
metal Rabies; this is the Reagan-era New Yorkers, 38 years
after their last single. They get called punk but were more new wave
in '81 & '82.
The
Rabies released two 7” records in 1982 – (My
Girl’s a) Hologram b/w Criminal, and a four-song EP called
Labor Day – and between 1981 and 1983 they played anywhere they
could in the Northeast from CBGBs to the college circuit (and
everywhere in-between). It was a great run, but met a predictable
demise. By '83 everything in music had changed and The Rabies
followed a different path. But, in 2020 they decided to get back
together and record a third single.
The
four original Rabies - Torin, Kevin, George, and John - recorded this
new single in Brooklyn with Producer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Ramones,
Lemonheads, Sebadoh). In talking about this new project, Rabies
guitarist and songwriter Torin Alter said it best: “We made a left
turn after Hologram and followed that wrong turn for 38 years. Until
now.”
For more info: boltrecordsinfo at gmail.com
