Flash Album Review: The Punk Rock Socks

Well, maybe it's something of the old punk in me, but you really have to check out this awesome band The Punk Rock Socks. They really are as Eddie Cochran might say 'something else'. Their debut album, Punk Rock Socks, features seventeen original songs, delivered with the type of raw energy that made the likes of the Clash famous. The album held my attention from start to finish, with its raw power and fabulous melodic content. 

The opening track in true Napalm Death fashion lasts only eight seconds, and really grabs the listener by the throat. It also provides an opportunity for the band to introduce themselves, and succinctly announce their lyrical intent, that they 'love to learn'.

They also love to teach, and the album features a number of educational tracks including "Counting Song", "ABC Song", and even a song to help you with your "2 Times Table". The lyrics throughout the album guide and instruct growing minds in a number of important areas, whether this involves "Crossing the Street", using "Sunscreen" or simply the importance of using your "Manners".

Other standout tracks include the compelling "Eat Your Greens", the catchy "Brush Your Teeth", and the anthemic "Buckle Up". The band deliver their message with relentless energy, and have a sharpness of focus second to none. Even "Back to School" is sung with no shortage of optimism, because 'school is cool', and I get to 'see my friends'.

As you can imagine with a name like The Punk Rock Socks there is no shortage of humour here, after all how often do you get to see three socks puppets jumping around, electric guitar in hand, highlighting the importance of using your "Imagination". This song sounds like it has been inspired by the Pistols' "God Save the Queen", with its Steve Jones inspired guitar rhythm, and its pulsating rhythm section.

Fortunately the band have also filmed a video for "Imagination" on YouTube, where our very own hero the sock puppet pontificates on the numerous things you can do with a cardboard box. There is no doubt some wisdom in this, after all how many times, have you purchased a present for a toddler only to discover them ultimately discarding the present and playing with the box? 

My absolute favourite track on the album is "Friends", which features a brief acoustic intro before reverting to type, and unleashing their own particular brand of musical mayhem. With perhaps a slight Ian Dury influence on the vocal delivery, the lyrics focus on the importance of loyalty and unconditional love. The song also boasts a great tune, which stands out despite the layers of guitars blasting out of the speakers. 

All in all, an intriguing selection of songs, where distorted guitars, infectious lyrics and dancing puppets are the order of the day.  This is a band who know how to present music that will have everyone smiling. Their songs are both educational and easy to dance to, and perhaps most importantly remind us all to not to take life too seriously. Well done guys, I take my hat off to you.

The Punk Rock Socks - anarchy in the wardrobe.

Album Review: Minor Third - The Relative Minors

 

For all you music lovers out there, if you haven't come across The Relative Minors from Canada then you really have been missing out. Not only do they have one of the best band names around, they've also created an intoxicating, original and vibrant new sound 'guaranteed to blow your mind'. This is a band who write big songs for small ears, incorporating themes from Aardvark Prime Ministers to Robot Tea Parties and everything in between. Their music is sure to keep you entertained from breakfast till bedtime, and their latest album Minor Third is an absolute gem. 

The album boasts some truly wonderful songs, and none better than the highly melodic "Today's My Day", which features live instrumentation and a vocal which captivates the listener throughout. The song reminded me a little of the Bee Gees "Spicks and Specks", but this time speeded up and delivered with additional impact because 'today's my day'. A great song to play first thing in the morning, because it's great to be alive, and the inclusion of the exuberant kids' voices towards the end of the song further emphasises the point. Other stand out songs include the intriguing "Pencil Sharpener", the delightful "Contrary Mary" and the guitar driven "Broken Dictionary". 

My absolute favourite song however, is the wonderful "Butterfly / Papillon" a real tear-jerker, sung with the kind of heartfelt sincerity that would fit perfectly on a Kate & Anna McGarrigle album. A truly captivating adventure in the life of a butterfly, harnessing a slightly European feel with its seductive vocal, simplistic charm, and highly melodic accordion bringing up the rear. The production really is quite superb, and the song could easily qualify as a movie soundtrack if Hollywood would sit up and take notice.

"Third Time's a Charm" offers something a bit different. Here a somewhat complex rhythm pattern creates the necessary tension for the chorus to really explode. The vocal melody is sublime, and the hypnotic intensity of the music keeps the listener intrigued throughout. The brass section provides additional texture to the track, which glistens and shines throughout. I really have no idea what the song is about or what is going on at the end, but I don't really care. 'It's only rock 'n' roll', and I like it!"

"Dance Those Clouds Away" features an optimistic lyric, sitting nicely alongside an intricate rhythm pattern where the bass and drums really let rip. The song further benefits from the inclusion of an electric piano adding additional ambience to the track. Clearly all is well here,  because 'we're going to dance those clouds away'. The reciprocal vocal is equally effective, and reminded me a little of the B52s at their best. The song finishes in fine style with a mesmerising lead guitar which hits all the right notes. I'm sure even the late Mick Ronson would have been impressed.

"Extraordinary Adventure Crew" screams out of the speakers with breathtaking intent, a marvellous melodic journey filled 'with logic and laughter', including a highly effective trumpet punctuating the song with noticeable zest. The bass and drums power away like they are accompanying Joe Strummer, and are having heaps of fun in the process. The chorus ascends in a rapture of joy as the band celebrate being 'together in one big adventure'. A delightful piece of music, emphasising the importance of friendship and brimming with pop sensibility. 

I love this band, they look great, sound great, and without wishing to repeat myself have the best band name around. The musicianship is outstanding, as are the vocals, which carry the somewhat whimsical lyrics in fine style. They sound like they have had heaps of fun making the album, as do their kids who also contribute their own unique brand of vocal histrionics on a couple of the songs. I hope they visit Australia one day because I would love to see them live, because they are without doubt one of the best bands around. Incidentally, I have heard through the grapevine that they are currently working on a new album due out later this year. Well, I for one can't wait to hear it. Watch this space!

The Relative Minors - brilliant music.

Artist Spotlight: Young Folkies

Young Folkies is the artist name for singer-songwriter Marisa Levenson who hails from Boston, USA but currently resides in London, UK. She conducts regular early childhood music sessions where she performs folky, acoustic versions of classic nursery rhymes alongside her own unique brand of original songs. Her musical style is gentle, highly melodic and performed with considerable dexterity on the acoustic guitar.

Her debut album Be You features thirteen tracks containing both familiar classics and a few original numbers of her own. The title track “Be You” emphasises the importance of being yourself, and doing what you want to do. A song essentially about courage; emphasising how embracing who you really are 'can set yourself free', and enable you to have fun in the process.

Since then she has released numerous singles including a charming collaboration with NZ-based kindie artist Claudia Robin Gunn entitled “Kindness”. A song essentially about karma, and the way in which good deeds ultimately 'come back to you'. The song features a delightful string arrangement which adds considerable emotional depth to the song. The vocal blend is superb throughout, and is delivered with both subtlety and intent.

Her recent single "Hooray (It’s a Very Good Day)" features Marcus Ramtohul on bass, who also appears on the video for the song, where the artist presents the music in true singer-songwriter style surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of nature. A message of gratitude, that takes the listener on a journey throughout the day, where the simple things in life we often take for granted are truly celebrated.

Be sure to check out Young Folkies and if you’re fortunate enough to live in London, take a trip out to a Young Folkies music session, and give your kids the opportunity to hear real music, sung and played by a real live musician. These sessions are crammed with music, singalongs and puppets giving young children an opportunity to experience sweet and gentle folk music guaranteed to hit the spot.

Young Folkies - innocence and charm.

Artist Spotlight: Allioopsy

Allioopsy is a musical act from the Gold Coast, Australia. The lineup consists of friends Carl Hitchmough and Jacinta Kealley. They are relative newcomers to the children's music scene launching in late 2022. Despite the band's brief existence they've already released an entire album of original tunes plus a YouTube channel featuring a number of entertaining music videos. To find out more about them I highly recommend this introduction video for the song "Allioopsy".

The band's debut album It's All About Fun consists of thirteen fabulous songs guaranteed to have you up and moving. From the uplifting opening track "Allioopsy" right through to the jaunty "In My Backyard" the band rarely pause for breath. Other stand out tracks include the lively "Good Morning Sun" and the intriguing "Melody Lane".

The album has something for everyone, if you are a music teacher looking to further engage young children then "Robot Dancing" should be right up your street, and "Happy" really does what it suggests with a variety of reasons to be cheerful. Whether that involves jumping on your bed, or eating jellybeans on a fork there are plenty of examples of how 'to be happy'.

The album essentially is "All About Fun", and the band have achieved this, with music that literally explodes in an exclamation of joy, which is both infectious and easy to dance to. 'Fun, fun, fun is the order of the day, and who am I to argue.

All in all, an outstanding debut album, from a band who have tremendous potential. Their songs include a variety of themes, which would appeal to teachers, parents, and all the children out there who just want to have fun. Certainly music for both the young, and the young at heart. Hopefully, I can catch up with them at one of their gigs in the near future. Watch this space!

Allioopsy - fun and games for all the family.

Album Track Review: Unplug and Play - Nathalia

 

Nathalia is a Los Angeles-based children's musician, music therapist and early childhood educator originally from Colombia. She applies a uniquely bilingual approach to her songwriting which ensures that she stands out from the crowd. Nathalia has released five albums to date of entirely original content and I recently found the time to sit down and have a closer listen to her work.

"Unplug and Play" is a track from Nathalia's latest album Mil Colores. The song is quite superb, with an intricate rhythm section carrying the groove and creating the space for the artist to add her delightful vocals. The song is absolutely swimming in melody, and along with its infectious groove, the music manages to captivate the listener throughout.

Interestingly, half the song is in English and half in Spanish, which keeps the listener alert to the message, which suggests, sometimes it's a good idea when things get tough to take it easy. Life certainly has its ups and downs, and I for one think it's excellent advice to 'take a break to be inspired', and 'don't hesitate'.

The middle eight sees the artist describing all the fun things that we can all do, such as 'fly a kite' or 'ride a bike' just to name a few. The importance of using your imagination is emphasised throughout the song, which is clearly much easier when you find the time to wind down and chill out.

The song finally draws to a close with a brief musical interlude gradually grinding to a halt with a superb flourish at the end. All in all a superb song from an exciting artist, who combines luscious melody with exotic musicianship, and does so with both style and finesse. Also, make sure you check out the rest of the songs on this fabulous album, which is literally crammed full of delightful tunes guaranteed to have you up on your feet

Nathalia - adventures in paradise.

Flash Single Review: Little River Runs - Tiptoe Giants and Josh Pyke

"Little River Runs" is the fabulous new single from Tiptoe Giants who have collaborated with Josh Pyke to create this highly melodic celebration of the Earth in all its magical splendour. I have to say, this is a truly wonderful collaboration largely due to the unique vocal blend which is quite superb. If this song is anything to go by, I'm sure their new album due out later this month will be pretty special. 

The little river takes centre stage on this musical journey, culminating in its majestic merger with the sea. Meanwhile, the splendid sights surrounding the river are each described in sumptuous details as the song progresses. There is a cumulative effect here, where the lyrics serve to build on each of the previous verses, adding additional sights, giving the song its folky sing round the camp fire vibe. The images used are so exquisitely potent that they could easily be featured in the pages of a popular picture book for children.

The music begins quite simply with a flute and acoustic guitar, before being joined by a hypnotic bass, additional intensity as the song progresses. The instrumentation is superb throughout, with a nimble acoustic guitar taking centre stage amongst an array of instruments that merge together and delight the senses with their sweet and soulful blend.

This unique approach, enables the listener to delight in the musical dexterity of the song, as the story unfolds, revealing the miraculous beauty of nature celebrated in all its glory. As the descriptive verse becomes more complex, so does the music where additional harmonies are included, giving the song an almost gospel feel. The music ultimately reaches its climax through a clever musical refrain which returns to the 'valley below' for a final review of all the wonderful sights so eloquently described throughout.

There is also an interesting sense of connection revealed here, whether it is the raindrops that ultimately merge with the river, or the lorikeet that sings from the tree, the lyrics perhaps hint at how we are all connected and ultimately depend on each other for our survival. I'm sure this song would be very popular in schools, not just as a fun singalong, but perhaps also to describe the way nature is interdependent, and perhaps shine some light on subjects such as the water cycle.

An absolute masterpiece, where what initially sounds like a jaunty singalong reveals itself to be so much more. The lyrics provide the images that trigger the imagination, and the sensitivity and depth of the vocal delivery provide a deep rooted connection for the listener to easily engage with the song. The music is sprightly and highly melodic and makes the most of the scintillating harmonies on display. The listener can delight in the wonders of nature through the majesty of the descriptive verse and the sublime melody that surrounds. Intoxicating, imaginative and guaranteed to stir the senses. I highly recommend it.

Tiptoe Giants and Josh Pyke - musical perfection.

Gig Review: Teeny Tiny Stevies at The Triffid, Brisbane

Well, I can't think of a much better way to spend a Sunday morning than attending the Triffid in Brisbane, one of my favourite live venues. This place is an old commercial hangar that combines its WW2 heritage with a unique garden, creating both a comfortable and vibrant atmosphere. Its cylinder-like structure, leaves the impression that you are entering a tunnel, and the number of classic Beatles tracks I heard blasting out of the PA on arrival provided an additional bonus.

The set began slowly with just vocals and keyboards on display, before the additional musicians arrived on stage, picking up the pace with noticeable skill and dexterity. The band then launched into the wonderful "Light As A Bubble" a charming song which really got the audience going. The song featured some breathtaking harmonies, underpinned by a sublime rhythm section that really stirred the senses. It was abundantly clear something pretty special was happening, as the children were already up, eagerly surrounding the stage and dancing with rapturous delight.

If you shut your eyes and zone in on the music, it could be Fleetwood Mac up there, with shades of Joni Mitchell or Edie Brickell on display. A unique sound, combining rock, and country music, lapped up and celebrated by a hugely enthusiastic audience. I was nonetheless a little surprised at how loud the music was for a family concert; no cotton wool kids here, which suited me just fine. The times clearly are a changing.

The band continued to work their way through more of their back catalogue including the enchanting "Sleep Through The Night", the uplifting "Baby In Mum's Tummy", and the absorbing "Plastic". A song which finished with the declaration that 'even if you're small you can help change the world'. Well, I for one would second that; providing empowering and encouraging messages to the next generation should be encouraged at every opportunity.

"How Am I Different" utilised a superb bass line, with imaginative lyrics exploring individuality, and the importance of celebrating difference. In a world where young people are often pressurised into conforming, this song provides a notable breath of fresh air, emphasising the importance of simply being true to your own unique self. The song is one of many from the set taken from their latest album, "How To Be Creative", which you really should check out at your earliest opportunity.

My favourite song of the set was the magnificent "I Ate A Rainbow", which absolutely blew the roof off, a fabulous foot stomper, with its relentless rhythmic chant. The song takes the audience on an interactive roller coaster ride where there's a party going on and we’re all invited. Many of the songs in the set encourage audience participation, with an open invitation for everyone to get up and get involved. This was further enhanced through the inclusion of a highly effective digital backdrop, where at one point I noticed a platypus grooving along to the music.

"Had You To Teach Me" introduced a ukulele to the proceedings, before the rhythm section arrive enabling the song to bounce along in fine style. The song has a gentle warm vibe, which ebbs and flows throughout, with lyrics suggesting that despite life's ups and downs, I'll be okay 'because I had you to teach me'. A song written perhaps for all the exhausted teachers and parents out there, who may need to be reminded that their efforts don't go unnoticed.

Although there was already plenty of dancing going on, the band then shifted gears announcing that ‘it was time to boogie’, and I guess the song "Dance", was the perfect song to drive home the point. A superb piece of music, that really hit the target with its funky bass line, and nimble drumming throughout. The music actually reminded me a little of Chic if anyone remembers them.

"Boss Of My Own Body" began with just bass and drums, providing an opportunity to introduce the musicians who received rapturous applause during their brief solo improvisations. The song is essentially a statement of intent, emphasising the point that although there may be many things I can't control, I am in charge of myself. The compressed and somewhat staccato approach used on the verses, provided the necessary tension and release for the chorus to really soar captivating the audience throughout.

The band finished in fine style with the succinct and slightly psychedelic "Use Your Imagination", providing the perfect finale through its simple message and extraordinary vocal effects. The song exploded with a final flourish, encouraging the kids to use their imaginations, hitting the spot through an astonishing cacophony of sound that has to be heard to be believed. Amazing!

This band really have it all worked out, they make music which is interactive, lyrically insightful and easy to dance to. The set was also an hour long, providing excellent value and destroying the myth that kids can't focus on anything for more than half an hour. I know it’s a cliché, but their music really does appeal to both children and their parents alike, who can be seen enjoying the music every bit as much as the kids. The band have captured a slice in the market where nowadays, a gig isn’t just for the parents, the band entertain and uplift everyone, even an old rocker like me, and that is some achievement.

Teeny Tiny Stevies – love you live.