SUSPENSION
“This is top-shelf music, brilliantly composed and performed tunes that set the band head and shoulders among the rest of the pack. I encourage you to check out all their albums today.”
Mike DeAngelis, woodyradio.com
“…flowing psych-pop…jangle and harmonies…the band tries a few different approaches to prevent predictability… the music succeeds on many levels. Highly recommended.” Aaron Kupferberg, Power Popaholic “The jangle of songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/singer Steve Stoeckel’s band The Spongetones would seem to be a handy reference point, and the textures of the opening/title track do bear some similarity to that group. But the inspirations for the winning tune clearly extend beyond the Beatles; I hear bits of Small Faces and other proto-Britpop acts in the virtual grooves of the song. The vocal harmonies (by Stoeckel, guitarist Bruce Gordon and drummer Stacy Carson) blend together wonderfully and give the group a sizable chunk of its unique character. Gordon is credited with vocal arrangements, and deserves copious praise for his work here. [Gordon's] impressive ‘Short Fuses’ applies acoustic guitar as a credible rock instrument in a manner reminiscent of ‘60s Pete Townshend. There are some vaguely Indian (as in Help! or Wonderwall Music) threads in the arrangement, but they’re used as ingredients in a complex recipe. The simmering ‘One Last Dance’ showcases an edgier side of the group. Once again: those soaring lead guitar licks! Mid-song the lead vocals reveal more Southern Rock character, and while that quality is a bit unexpected and jarring, it doesn’t detract.”Bill Kopp, Musoscribe
“Gordon’s masterful vocal arrangements are layered with perfection, and are both powerful and gorgeous (Again, break out those headphones, kids).”Dan Pavelich, Popapalooza
“…packed with the requisite hooks, guitars and harmonies…make this one a real winner. Having been written in pandemic times, one can easily guess what Bruce Gordon’s ‘Short Fuses’ is about. An infectious melody and some inventive, world-music inspired guitar work make this one really special.”Richard Rossi, powerpopnews
“…flowing psych-pop…jangle and harmonies…the band tries a few different approaches to prevent predictability… the music succeeds on many levels. Highly recommended.” Aaron Kupferberg, Power Popaholic “The jangle of songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/singer Steve Stoeckel’s band The Spongetones would seem to be a handy reference point, and the textures of the opening/title track do bear some similarity to that group. But the inspirations for the winning tune clearly extend beyond the Beatles; I hear bits of Small Faces and other proto-Britpop acts in the virtual grooves of the song. The vocal harmonies (by Stoeckel, guitarist Bruce Gordon and drummer Stacy Carson) blend together wonderfully and give the group a sizable chunk of its unique character. Gordon is credited with vocal arrangements, and deserves copious praise for his work here. [Gordon's] impressive ‘Short Fuses’ applies acoustic guitar as a credible rock instrument in a manner reminiscent of ‘60s Pete Townshend. There are some vaguely Indian (as in Help! or Wonderwall Music) threads in the arrangement, but they’re used as ingredients in a complex recipe. The simmering ‘One Last Dance’ showcases an edgier side of the group. Once again: those soaring lead guitar licks! Mid-song the lead vocals reveal more Southern Rock character, and while that quality is a bit unexpected and jarring, it doesn’t detract.”Bill Kopp, Musoscribe
“Gordon’s masterful vocal arrangements are layered with perfection, and are both powerful and gorgeous (Again, break out those headphones, kids).”Dan Pavelich, Popapalooza
“…packed with the requisite hooks, guitars and harmonies…make this one a real winner. Having been written in pandemic times, one can easily guess what Bruce Gordon’s ‘Short Fuses’ is about. An infectious melody and some inventive, world-music inspired guitar work make this one really special.”Richard Rossi, powerpopnews
FACTORY SETTINGS
"A consistently well-crafted album.” “Perhaps too eclectic to be labeled powerpop, too sophisticated to qualify as meat ‘n’ potatoes rock’n’roll, in the end, the second album from this far-flung foursome is just what the group’s name says it is: pop. And it’s pop of the very best kind."
Bill Kopp, Musoscribe, contributing editor at Goldmine: The Collectors Record and CD Marketplace, and Jazz & Prog Editor at BLURT magazine.
"The new album is a treat anna half, and you will be eager to hear more. Welcome to Your Favorite Record Of 2020."
Carl Cafarelli, This is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, former Goldmine Magazine contributor.
"Factory Settings cannot be viewed as an exercise in retro-mania. Their energy and approach is fresh and immediate, causing their compositions to be stamped with their own unique imprint."
Beverly Paterson, Something Else Reviews
"A truly wonderful pop LP"
Richard Rossi, Powerpop News
FOUR STATE SOLUTION
"There are more than a few highlights... Four State Solution is certainly a positive first step."
John Borack, Goldmine
"The album is Four State Solution; it's your favorite album of 2017." Carl Cafarelli, Boppin' (Like the Hip Folks Do)
"...living, breathing bite-size reminders of what it is about such music that draws so many people to it."
Alan Haber, Pure Pop Radio
"...chock fullof gliding melodies, cool guitars, and distinctly groovy rhythms... Twelve superb tracks... Top pick."
LMNOP Reviews, babysue.com
"Those who loved the more rocking end of the 'Tones catalog will delight in this set, but there are plenty of lovely, quieter moments, too."
BillKopp, Musoscribe
"It Ain't Easy Being a Boy is right out of the Spongetones playbook. Catchy as all get-go and a sure-fire hit with power pop fans. A great way to end the disc and leave people wanting more."
Richard Rossi, Power Pop News
To Purchase:
https://popco-opband.bandcamp.com