What’s in a name? I believe it was The Who who once sang that “a band by any other name would rock just as hard.” Of course, once a group has a prepositional phrase in their moniker, you know they mean business, like these two bands – great names, great albums… heck, great album covers. (and I’m giving you permission to use “The Prepositional Phrases” as your next band name should you be so inclined).

 The Assemble Head In Sunburst Sound: Manzanita

Definitely the best name I’ve seen in quite a while, and thankfully they have the chops to match. It might not surprise you that they play a very dreamy, psychedelic brand of rock and roll. But it does rock with some scintillating guitar work, organ, harmonies, nice full-band interplay and great songs. A slight hint of country twang in there and this is some good late-summer listening. This is music that goes from point A to point B in full Technicolor along the way. As with so many great bands, these songs come alive on stage, so I’ll double up my rec and urge you to check out Assemble Head when they come to your town.

MOG: https://mog.com/m#album/68732689
Rhapsody: Manzanita
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00882XBZS

Robbers on High Street: Anything Could Happen

Last year the Robbers on High Street had a really fantastic LP, Hey There Golden Hair (which I also highly recommend), but that didn’t stop them from keeping the goods coming. This year’s output is a phenomenal 4-song EP that won’t but cost you 15 minutes of your day, but also makes an appealing candidate for multiple listens. Despite the brevity, there’s plenty of music to sink your teeth into, a bouncy, progressive FM radio sound, but if you’re really pressed for time, just check out The Letter which may just be my favorite track of the year, a rock and roll masterpiece, in my opinion.

MOG: https://mog.com/m#album/66443989
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B007TWH3K2
Rhapsody: Anything Could Happen

Neddy

Aaron Stein lives in the NYC area and enjoys taking full advantage of all the music the city has to offer. He has written for JamBase, Bowery Presents' House List and Hidden Track amongst others.

More Posts - Website