IPO Liverpool 2014
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Artists From Liverpool
20lb Sounds – 20lb Sounds are a three-piece band from Merseyside who blend a wide array of influences into something fresh, fun, and uniquely their own. A touch of bluesy roots rock, a hint of funk, and bits of ska, punk, new wave, and everything in between can be heard on their Bubblino EP! And check out the folksy versions on the more recently released Acoustic Sessions EP!
The Amazing Kappa – Cavern regulars, Liverpool’s own Amazing Kappa combines virtuosity with original songs and specially arranged covers, with electrifying showmanship which has to be seen. Their latest CD, Rodeo Locomotive will (pardon the puns) grab you like a bull by the horns and bowl you over like a freight train with its sheer intensity! Paul Kappa’s voice is so strong, it could make Paul Rodgers call home and cry to his mama!
Mike Badger and the Shady Trio – A veritable Liverpool legend, Mike Badger has been penning and performing his unique brand of Scouse country tunes for a good long time, first as co-founder of The La’s, and more recently with The Onset, The Kachinas, and his solo material, along with his efforts as head of The Viper Label. With his latest band, The Shady Trio, and their self titled EP, he turns the rockabilly up a notch in a way that fans of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison are sure to appreciate!
Jo Bywater – Her mission: to deliver words of wisdom, inspiration and tortured souls onto the ears of the public. Bywater’s tunes are an inflection of tasty riffs and blues rawness, a melting pot of styles and influence laced with funk and injected with the rusty edge of vocal honesty. Liverpool’s answer to Janis Joplin, Ani DiFranco, and Pearl Jam combined, her recent Chasing TalesEP has been hailed as “unorthodox, uncompromising, simply brilliant” by FATEA, who also awarded it Best EP/Mini Album/Single of 2013!
Rob Clarke – This lad from Liverpool channels his almost namesake: Gene Clark, of The Byrds, with some fuzzy ‘60s garage sounds replete with close cropped harmonies. There’s also a bit of Neil Young influence, making this the ultimate ‘60s singer/songwriter experience…but sounding like Rob through and through! Great stuff!
The Crucified Twins – A deft melding of ‘80s influences with early ‘70s soulful rock is the stock and trade of this combo from Wirral. Lead vocalist Ian Jones channels some of the greats from the early ‘80s UK pantheon, and the band really cooks! Check out their IPO Liverpool shows, and you won’t be disappointed!
Sue Hedges – If it isn’t remarkable enough that she has met Prince Charles and has performed on bills with Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris, this Liverpool lass has been blind almost since birth! But there are many sides to the prolific Miss Hedges – she’s been known to display her rock diva persona, throw in a jangle-pop song, a bit of country twang, a heartfelt ballad, and then belt out some soul all in the space of a single set! Check out her latest CD, The Soundtrack of My Dreams!
Hijinx – Hijinx are back at the IPO again with their fizzy mix of power pop and big chords. With new guitarist Barry Mckeown now firmly ensconced in the band, they serve up killer hooks and three part harmonies worthy of their influences – Kiss, Cheap Trick, Nick Gilder and The Sweet!
Jimmy & The Revolvers – Jimmy & the Revolvers are a new-four piece from Liverpool specializing in their own brand of folk music inspired by the eternal genius of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Expect tight harmonies, catchy melodies and a beat you can’t help but move to. Fans of The Beatles, Johnny Cash, and The Everly Brothers NEED to check out their debut EP, Sunday Morning!
Marc Kenny – Whether performing solo, as the lead singer of local Liverpool rockers, King’s Parade, or as the front man for The Northern Allstars, or as a collaborator in any of the other projects he may have going at one time, Kenny’s star quality shines through! Musical influences range from Oasis to John Lennon to David Bowie to Paul Weller, with a touch of disco house thrown in for good measure! Definitely a man poised to take the world by storm…a brand new album is set to release later this year, and we can hardly wait!
Dave Lloyd – The main man of The Suns, whose musical blueprint draws from 70’s West Coast, 60’s Folk/Psych, Powerpop, Post-Punk and Surf Music. Already with three critically acclaimed albums to their credit, 2013 saw the release of a new Suns EP, Demons, featuring four epic soundscapes loaded with mesmerising lyrical imagery, soaring melodies and the band’s trademark guitar interplay. Don’t miss your chance to catch Lloyd in a more personal solo performance!
The Magic Theatre – Duo Dan Popplewell and Sophia Churney create soft sunshine baroque pop that is nothing short of…well…magical! Fans of Kate Bush and Franciose Hardy will love Sophia’s vocals, while fans of The Left Banke or The Turtles will love the gentle uplifting melodies. Now signed to the much loved Elefant Records, their new album, The Long Way Home, (which has been getting some very fine reviews!) is a baroque-pop celebration of love, seizing the day and poisoning evil husbands.
Thomas McConnell – McConnell’s music is largely informed by the work of his heroes, in particular Paul McCartney and Eric Morecambe, and he has been described as having “clever chord progressions and a winning way with a melody” (Seven Streets, July 2012). His recent EP, Worried About Thomas McConnell, has received much critical acclaim, and his video of himself performing McCartney’s “New” was shared on Twitter and Facebook by none other than Sir Paul himself! Pretty cool!
Northern Sugar – Northern Sugar are an inventive rock n’ roll band from Wigan. Their live performances burst with energy, that oozes cool on stage and creates a ‘good vibe’ atmosphere; their songs are described as easily likeable and guaranteed to get you dancing!! Think The Rolling Stones, Status Quo, and The Black Keys all rolled into one, and you’ve just about got ‘em!
The Raft – A Wirral-based four-piece whose songs sound both comfortingly familiar and fresh and new at the same time! Fans of classic acts like The Beatles and The Kinks, as well as more modern indie rockers, such as Beta Band or Arcade Fire, will all find something to love, so check them out now!
The Ragamuffins – They’re a six-piece indie/pop group based in Liverpool, renowned for their emphasis on harmonies, clear arrangements and catchy melodies. “[E]xactly what British indie pop needs right now; charm, originality, but most of all, damn fine song writing” (Preston University Press). Their jangly, frenetic pop style and groove takes in elements of Northern Soul, Ska, Rock ‘n Roll, ‘80s Electro Pop and ‘60s British Invasion. This is wrapped up in a dark, witty but uplifting lyricism, owing much to profound pop and indie greats such as Elvis Costello, Morrissey, Lloyd Cole, Ian McCulloch, and Stuart Murdoch. Check out their Irony Curtain CD and you’ll hear what we mean!
The Relics – Their music is influenced by everything and anything that rocks or rolls, and will appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Whether your thing is Dylan or Morrissey, Oasis or The Jam, Buffalo Springfield or The La’s (or just about anything in between!), you will dig The Relics! They are in the process of recording their debut album, Pilgrim Soul, so watch for it!
The Romleys – A Liverpool three-piece who blend the best classic Merseybeat inflences with blues, jazz, rockabilly and a bit of soul to create an original vintage of toe-tapping, head-bobbing, clap-along songs that are impossible not to like! One of Liverpool’s most charming and inventive bands! Their debut single “We Love Everyone” is available now!
The Shakers – They’ve been called the most authentic Liverpool beat group since the ‘60s, and have got the goods to back it up! For those of us too young (or geographically challenged!) to have experienced what The Cavern might have sounded like in its heyday, The Shakers are here to give us a taste! Their debut full length vinyl LP, A Whole Lotta Shakers!, is out now on Soundflat Records!
The Springtime Anchorage – A Liverpool foursome who craft beautiful folk-influenced harmony-laced jangle pop in the finest tradition of Crosby Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel, Dylan, and fellow Liverpudlians, The Coral. A four-song demo is available now, but will leave you craving more!
Joe Symes & The Loving Kind – Symes specializes in captivating songs dealing with different everyday issues such as politics; life relationships; friends; heartache; and what’s going on in the world today. A tireless performer and promoter, he is constantly gigging all over Liverpool and spreading his message on the internet. His cool brand of edgy power pop and his powerful vocals are sure to please fans of every age and genre, and adding the band takes his sound up to a whole ‘nother level – check out their debut self-titled album and come to their IPO showcases, and see and hear what we mean!
Tenements – They’ve got that signature Liverpool sound, which is difficult to explain but you know it when you hear it! Melding classic folk-rock influences with a modern sound, Tenements is a treat for the ears! Check out their IPO shows and you’ll hear what we mean!
Steve Thompson & The Incidents – Having gigged up and down the UK and Europe and shared the stage with the likes of Mungo Jerry, Suzi Quatro, and The Stranglers (to name but a few!), and doing stints in various bands and as a solo artist, Thompson has found his niche with The Incidents. Insanely hooky upbeat pop that rocks like mid to late ‘70s radio used to…and like radio still should today!
Three Minute Hero – Deriving the name from a song by 2-Tone ska band The Selecter, Three Minute Hero is a semi acoustic artist active on the live music scene. The brainchild of Liverpool songwriter, musician and award-winning promoter Stuart Todd, Three Minute Hero mixes raw social commentary with an eclectic mix of melodic material, and elevating the classic three minute pop song by giving it a subversive lyrical twist. Their debut single, “A Piece of The Action”, is a politically charged anti-capitalist anthem…wrapped in a groovy keyboard-laced psychedelic pop song!
Two Weeks Running – If you love edgy indie rock in the vein of artists such as The Maccabees, Oasis, and Blur, you will love Two Weeks Running! They’ve been making a name for themselves around the Northwest, opening for such acts as The Wombats, and getting airplay on XFM and RockFM. Building on the buzz they created in 2013, they’ve been filling clubs, have released a new single, “Holy Ghost”, and have busy schedule of gigging and touring planned for 2014. Check out one of Liverpool’s hottest acts!
The Universal – As sharp musically as they are in attire, Liverpool quartet The Universal apply timeless values of upbeat melodic British songwriting to a sharp-dressed model. The band are based around singer, guitarist and songwriter Terry Shaughnessy, who brings a deep-seated love of classic vintage guitar music. Think Oasis meets Small Faces with a dash of Stone Roses, and you get the idea…or better yet, pick up a copy of their recently released The Outsiders CD and come to their IPO show to experience their energetic live performance!
Robert Vincent – IPO audiences and regulars in the Liverpool scene may remember Vincent as the lead singer of Night Parade, who wowed us with their classic guitar pop sound and Vincent’s emotive vocals. He continues in similar vein under his own name, with songs that fairly explode with acoustic folk-rock goodness and soothe with heartfelt ballads, thanks in part to childhood influences such as Pink Floyd and The Beatles, but also to Vincent’s life experiences, which shine through in his lyrics. His debut CD, Life In Easy Steps, is finally available…you can even get it in double CD format with a nifty 25 page booklet, so check it out now!
Watchtower – A psychedelic rock n’ blues juggernaut, Watchtower will appeal to fans of artists from McCartney to Creedence Clearwater Revival to The Traveling Wilbury’s to Hendrix…to name but a few!! But as if that wasn’t enough, their powerpop hooks and spot on vocal harmonies will give them even greater appeal! Check out their EP and you’ll hear what we mean!!
UK Artists From Outside Of Liverpool
4 Brothers – A South Wales based brotherhood whose music evokes the rich country harmonies and spirit of a sound that has influenced generations. Their interest in melody and harmony makes for an interesting blend of styles and a truly uplifting live performance experience. Fans of Crosby Stills & Nash, Tom Petty, and Neil Young will want to be on the lookout for their debut album, which is due out soon!
The 286 – A seven-piece band from London, which also features members of The Fore (who have played many an IPO Liverpool), The 286 dare to cross the genres of indie rock and classical music. By clashing rock n’ roll riffs with cellos and violins, The 286 create a unique sound that you expect to be reminiscent of a musical collaboration between The Beatles and Ludwig van Beethoven! Check out their A Victory for Battalion CD, and you’ll hear what we mean!
The Ace – A powered-up guitar pop band from Leeds featuring former members of the power-poptastic Freebooting Profiteers, crazed mod garage nutters (Thee Mighty) Uptight, and mod beat masters The Lost 45s UK. Their recent album, Next Time Around, features twelve tracks of garage, beat, bubblegum, pop-pysche, all fizzing with delight!
B-Side – As the name suggests, B-Side are a reassuringly unfashionable smorgasbord of such tasty 70s delights as 10cc, Genesis and Beach Boys, with sprinklings of other favourites, from Talk Talk and Supertramp to late XTC. The “Prog-Pop” six-piece appeared with chums at IPO 2012 as Surf’s Up, and are fronted by three songwriters: Sean Macreavy, Paul McNulty and Marc Stephens. With Rob Dean, Robbie Tabrett and Dave Wellings, they make for an eclectic and unconventional line-up. Hooks galore and a smile on your face guaranteed! Their debut single, “The Sun Bring Out the Girls” is out in early May.
Beat Root – A newly formed band of folk, roots, howling blues & classic pop beats, featuring the songwriting prowess of Andrea Magee & Ben Jones (he of The Lovedays and Rifle Volunteers). The band put together their own tour of the U.S. which began in February, and they’ve received numerous gig opportunities…in fact, they’re headed back to the States in June! We’re glad they’re able to make IPO Liverpool one of their stops!
Beneva – Reviewers have compared the overall sound of these gents from Coventry and Birmingham to Jellyfish, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beautiful South, Supertramp and even elements of The Beatles, and with good cause! They create contagious melodies with harmonies galore, and can switch from heartfelt epics to quirky radio friendly songs with ease, as can be heard on their debut CD, I’ll Just Say What I Mean. A new one is in the works, and we can hardly wait!
Bite The Shark – A Manchester-based band who really put the POWER in power trio. Their unique take on modern powerpop meets anthemic rock will appeal to fans of artists as diverse as Foo Fighters, Green Day, Fountains of Wayne, and The Beastie Boys! We loved ‘em last year as Boomin’, whose debut album, Original Junkie, available via Townsend/Universal Records, was produced by Mark Wainwright (of INXS), and crashed into the iTunes Rock chart at no. 22. With a new name and some fun new songs (check out their soundcloud demos!), is there any doubt these guys are poised to become superstars??
Burning Ferns – Bonded by closely shared musical tastes and galvanized by a love of laughter, guitars and vocal harmonies Burning Ferns grew and grew. They turned their live experience into their debut album, See Saw Seen, which was released late last year. The album is a psychedelic janglepop treasure trove of hooks, harmony, breezy melodies and chord changes just when you least expect them that fans of The Traveling Wilburys, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and Kontiki Suite (see below) will adore! One of the finest bands from Newport, South Wales!
The Capers – An East London four-piece whose music is a blend of their various influences – from the sixties pop and mod of such artists as The Kinks, Small Faces and The Jam, to Motown and Northern Soul, to energetic ‘90s artists such as Nirvana, Blur, and Dave Grohl. There is a clear ‘60s pop theme with catchy riffs and a sometimes cheeky lyrical style, complimented by a combination of deep yet tuneful bass and powerful percussion. Check out their debut album, While Crooks Pull Capers, and be on the lookout for a new one which is currently in the works!
Captain Wilberforce – Beautiful melodies, dripping with layers of harmony and rich instrumentation, replete with subtle hooks and inventive chord changes abound on Ghost Written Confessions, the latest CD by this band from Leeds. Fans of Brendan Benson, Guided By Voices, Squeeze, and Jellyfish – to name but a few! – should definitely check this out!
Cardinal Jack – Angular indie-rock with a power pop sensibility can be found in the music of this trio from London, which will appeal to fans of The Clash, David Bowie, and Hot Hot Heat. Their debut album,
James Clarke – Though he now lives in London, fans from both Liverpool and Spain may remember Clarke as a member of The Cherry Boys, who were one of Liverpool’s top bands in the early ‘80s, and whose song “Kardomah Café” was a Spanish top 10 hit! He’s got a dazzling array of well-crafted pop tunes, sometimes annoyingly catchy, never predictable, and never far from the odd surprise or two. Just check out either of his CDs and you’ll hear what we mean! A new one should be available soon!
The Dirty Royals – This band from Oxford is always a crowd pleaser and we’re thrilled to have them back! Their music is an action-packed celebration of the life-affirming power of rock n’ roll, a head-on collision between classic British Pop and gritty punk on the Pacific Coast Highway, where Beach Boys harmonies are grazed by the guitars of The Clash and are shattered into shards of surprisingly beautiful new-wave debris. The Dirty Royals are the band you desperately want at your next party!
Dlugokecki – A five-piece pop/rock/indie band who aim to entertain and thrill, led by Ben Dlugokecki, a very talented young singer/songwriter from Southampton who has been compared to the likes of David Gray, Paul Simon, Elbow and Damian Rice. Merge Magazine sums his music up best: “Gentle sound, clever lyrics and meticulous orchestration.”…add to that achingly beautiful heartfelt vocals, and you get the idea. They are also quite prolific, releasing two full length albums in 2012, the latest of which, Forty-Eight, was written, recorded, produced and mixed all within 48 hours!
Dr. Cosmo’s Tape Lab – Joe Kane (The Owsley Sunshine/Them Beatles) and Stu Kidd (BMX Bandits/The Wellgreen/Jonny) have teamed up with artist Adam J Smith (Khaki Shorts/Hector Collectors) to produce a compelling interplanetary story involving love, time travel, pie and mash, rogue surgeons and clone justice. Disappointing Todd Rundgren gigs, Tascam 4 track cassette recorders, The Monkees, cider, childrens tv shows from the 80’s and sci-fi movies (good and bad) are all ingredients to the sounds of Dr Cosmo’s Tape Lab, Glasgow’s newest supergroup!
The Electric Stars – A psychedelic pop/rock n’ glam outfit charging out of Manchester, who strive to make beautiful music for beautiful people…and do so quite nicely! They’ve got all the glitz and glam of T Rex and the swagger of The Rolling Stones, with many a nod to Northern soul. Their Sonic Candy Soul album was named one of Scootering Magazine’s Top 12 of 2012, along with discs by the likes of Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, and The Moons. They’ve also got a brand new limited edition collectors CD single tribute to ‘60s football icon George Best, which should be released just in time for IPO. Nice!
Mark Ell Band – Fans of Teenage Fanclub should be sure to check out this combo from Bolton! Their songs combine echoing layers of melodic goodness, with just the right amount of fuzz! Cool!
The Fast Camels – Glasgow is a veritable fountain of psychedelic garage music, and these guys are quintessential purveyors of that sound. Their trippy, ‘60s-inspired sounds bring to mind such bands as early Pink Floyd, Love and The Byrds. They’ve been scarfing up airplay and fans in the UK, US, and Europe since the release of their 2006 debut album, The Magic Optician, so many will be pleased to know that their second album, Dead Rooms and Butterfly Dreams, will finally be available by the time you read this! We can hardly wait!!
The Fores – The Fores are Mods & Rockers, Movers & Shakers inspired by artists from The Rolling Stones to Coldplay, Stones Roses and Oasis to The Verve, Kasabian and Keane and anything and everything in-between and beyond. With an attitude and performance full of energy, the band have been performing nationwide, relentlessly recording and taking the live music scene by storm, picking up fans and admirers wherever they go. They’ve also racked up an incredible 28,400 plays on YouTube for their debut video “Let Go!” Check out this band from Leicester before they take the world by storm!
F.O.X. – Fans of pop divas from Donna Summer to Gwen Stefani will dig the catchy danceable hooks on Chimera, the debut album by this Essex-based synth/electro-pop band! Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode is a champion of the band and as a result personally invited them to support DM on their 2013 Delta Machine stadium tour resulting in the band playing to over 200,000 people across Europe. Since returning to the UK, they’ve been working on their second album, with the first part due out later this Spring, so watch for it!
Freddie Calls – A quartet from London (by way of the Isle of Malta!) who live, write, and perform together. The fusion of their life experiences translates into stadium- and radio- ready anthemic rock with a modern rock punch. Fans of Sterephonics, U2, and The Killers will want to check them out!
Fun Of The Pier – Fun of the Pier is Helen on vocals and guitar and Mark on acoustic bass. Their songs have a lighthearted folky feel, but with darker undercurrents. Imagine a very British Judy Collins fronting Nirvana, and you’d come close to what this enigmatic band from Nottingham sounds like.
Alison Green – An acoustic singer/songwriter based in Canterbury with a distinctive voice and quirky folk pop hooks. Fans of Nora Jones, Edie Brickell, and Joni Mitchell should check her out!
Grover – An excellent folk-psych-pop band from Manchester…with a few surprising indie rock twists! Their mix of intricate jangle and traditional British folk music sensibilities with angular pop goodness is truly unique, and will appeal to a wide array of fans!
Harleigh and James – Harleigh and James-A duo from Blackpool including James Parkinson of Last Breath (see below) who specialize in acoustic Britpop greatly influenced by Oasis. James has a very powerful voice, so no doubt this duo would do the Gallagher Brothers proud with their ruggedly intense songwriting and vocals.
Tony Hazzard – He’s written top twenty hits for Manfred Mann (“Fox On The Run” & “Ha Ha Said The Clown”), The Hollies (“Listen To Me”), The Tremeloes (“Hello World”), Lulu (“Me The Peaceful Heart”), Herman’s Hermits (“You Won’t Be Leaving”), and Andy Williams (“I Think I’m Over Getting Over You”). He also sidelined as a session singer and guitarist working with James Last, Long John Baldry, and Elton John, featuring on three of the latter’s albums, and appearing on stage with him at his first Royal Festival Hall concert! While Hazzard might justifiably rest on his laurels, he’s still going strong, penning and performing some of the sweetest pop tunes around – just check out his most recent album, Songs from the Lynher, and come to his IPO showcase to hear what we mean! IPO is extremely proud to welcome this veritable pop icon from Rainhill, Merseyside!
John Herring – A singer/songwriter, raised on an estate in Salford, who writes songs influenced by the urban street scenes in which he grew up and the relationships around him. He currently resides in Manchester, and has been compared to The Blue Nile, Roddy Frame, John Martyn, Doves, Peter Gabriel, The Smiths, among others! John is bringing his mix of driving yet soulful and cinematic music to venues across the country, including The Cavern Club for his IPO shows!!
Honeybug – Masters of self-reinvention, this powerpop combo from Edinburgh has been known to appear as a lounge-pop three-piece, a fizzy-pop four-piece, as well as their latest seven-piece incarnation, with some new people, some new songs and all of the stuff you already liked… but even better! Fans of artists from Elton John to Jellyfish to Prince and Al Green will be thrilled to know they’ll soon be releasing not just one, but TWO CDs! We can hardly wait!
The Housekeeping Society – In Songs From The Orange Dog, they continue to indulge in their love of storytelling that was evident in their prior albums, but take it up to a whole new level! Released in conjunction with 154 Collective’s play Dancing With The Orange Dog, the album picks up the themes and stories from the play, setting quirky narratives and bits of folk instrumentation to contemporary arrangements. They’ve also recently released their first ever all-instrumental album, Let Bygones Be: A Soundtrack, which was commissioned by the contemporary dance group CoActive! Brian Wilson fans in particular will dig these gents. One of West Yorkshire’s finest bands!
Scott Howells (from The Broken Vinyl Club) – As one of the main men of The Broken Vinyl Club, Howells melded lots of cool ‘60s pop and mod influences into a fantastic cohesive whole and is one of Cardiff’s hottest acts. Now doing the solo thing, we can’t wait to see and hear what he’s fashioned next!
Evette Judge – Judge has graced IPO stages in both Liverpool and Nashville as the leader of DreamCapture, and has played both IPOs Liverpool and London with her more recent project, Evaney. In whatever guise she plays under, her songs blend all kinds of cool country-folk-pop-rock sounds that fans of artists from Fleetwood Mac to Kate Bush to Annie Lennox are sure to enjoy. Her debut solo album, Strange Charles, is available now! Definitely one of Ayelsbury’s finest!
Junebug – Landing squarely between punk-pop and jangle-pop, as well as between Wirral and Abergele, Wales, Junebug have been building a huge following with regular radio play on BBC stations in both of their hometowns. Their lighthearted music influenced by The Ramones, XTC, The Hollies, and The Beatles is a perfect choice for a summer drive by the beach. Just pick up any of their five CDs, and check them out for yourself!
The Junipers – The gentle psychedelic pop sound of The Junipers have earned them both rave reviews and many fans from far and wide beyond their home of Leicester. Their songs are mellow and yet joyful and uplifting, balancing influences from The Hollies to The Move to The Millennium to the Beach Boys in equal measure. Their long awaited 2nd CD, Paint The Ground, adds a pastoral touch, and has been cited in Mojo Magazine as “heavenly!”
Kontiki Suite – Kontiki Suite hail from the isolated outskirts of the Lake District in England’s “Deep North”. Following on from the 2009 release of their debut Stars EP, and national airplay on various BBC stations, their long-awaited full length, On Sunset Lake, was released in January 2013 to rave reviews. The record beautifully displays the band’s collective love of melody, harmony, psychedelia and country, borne out of an appreciation of the B-troika brigade of bands from the mid-1960s to today, such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Big Star, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Beachwood Sparks, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, to name but a few!
Last Breath – A band from Blackpool including brothers James and Tom Parkinson, who specialize in intense modern rock influenced by Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Black Stone Cherry, All Time Low, Paramore, Volbeat, Blink 182, Green Day, et al…but more melodic than any of them, which is why we really look forward to seeing them at IPO Liverpool!
The Last Fakers – A band from the Northeast of England who believe in big songs with big choruses, a sentiment with which IPO can most definitely agree! Their songs will appeal to fans of other like-minded bands, such as Oasis, The Jam, and Stone Roses. Check out Unsigned Revolution’s 2011 “Band Of The Year” now, as they’re even better in 2014!
The Len Price 3 – Hailing from the Medway Delta, their sound is forged in the Medway tradition, fusing driving energy, catchy hooks and a raw ‘60s garage edge. They’ve got four excellent CDs (if you don’t have the most recently released Nobody Knows, you need to get it – now!), and a live show that will blow you away and re-define what it is to be a power trio…as a testament to this fact, at one of their IPO Liverpool performances, the manager of another band was heard to say: “These are TOO GOOD…I’m going to go home and cry!”
Michael Loszak (of Eskimo Blonde) – The band have had a high profile career to date, taking their powerful indie-rock sound far beyond their home of Aberdeen. Highlights thus far include becoming the support act for Ocean Colour Scene, and playing in front of tens of thousands of people, in addition to both national and international radio, TV and media coverage, a song commission for a teen drama series, cinema chain and more, with some new recorded material coming soon! Loszak’s solo act will be a bit more intimate, but you can be sure that it’s still gonna rock!
The Lovers – Fans of hard-hitting rock n’ roll, luscious pop hooks, and girl-groups both classic and modern will…well, love The Lovers! Imagine Martina McBride fronting a supergroup consisting of The Spice Girls joining forces with The Supremes with The Go-Go’s as the backing band, and you begin to get the idea. But better yet, come to their IPO showcase, and check this London quartet!
Match Factory – An aptly named London quartet, as their songs can certainly spark a fire in the heart of many a fan! Their blend of sultry jazz, blues, and soul rhythms with indelible pop hooks, arena-rock energy, and expressive and harmonious vocals is truly unique, and will leave you begging for more!
Mellor – Catching the eye of the BBC Introducing after just one gig, the Reading four-piece spent their first year sharing stages with the likes of The Kooks, Pete Doherty, KT Tunstall and The Milk. Their debut single “Catch Me Girl” was released to five-star online reviews, and their second single has received national radio play. Their debut EP, One Of The Faces, is filled with the dynamic sounds of their anthem-worthy “Pop Smack”, and is now available!
Midland Railway – A delightfully quirky and enigmatic pop band from Manchester who describe their music as what it might sound like if really camp aliens, in miniskirts and feather boas, alien-napped Weezer and Rilo Kiley and Blur and put them all together and shook them up with a dash of alien music and some prettier people. Intrigued? Then come check out their IPO showcase!
Olly Neasham – An engaging singer/songwriter who has captivated pop fans from Liverpool to Chicago and up and down the American West coast in his previous IPO appearances, first as the leader of A Foreign Town, and more recently as a solo artist. His work has always had a pleasing indie-pop-folk style reminiscent of Neil Finn or Crowded House, but his solo music adds a more personal touch: part Bob Dylan, part Bing Crosby, and totally enjoyable!
Neon Knights – Taking influences from the likes of Stereophonics, The Killers and numerous acoustic artists, Neon Knights consists of five friends with a fresh outlook on music looking to have a laugh while performing sounds with meaning, vigor and purpose. If you like catchy riffs, driven drum and bass combos and lyrics to raise hair on the back of your neck delivered with a unique country twang, this band from Inverness may be just the thing you’ve been waiting to hear!
The Newds – An alt-pop sextet from Bolton whose passion for what they do is evident in their songs. “It’s as if The Newds have stumbled across a musical jumble sale and they’ve picked up the threads of melody dropped off by the obvious greats like Harry Nilsson, Simon & Garfunkel, Lennon and Heather Mills’ ex-husband…” (Austin Collings) If this sounds too good to be true, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of their Ready EP and come check out their IPO showcase!
Ocean City – Though still in their infancy as a band, they have already won awards for their songs (“Better Off Alone” was named Best Song at the COR Radio Awards!) and the attention of several management and record companies. The band’s debut album is almost finished and has been self produced in their own broadcast quality recording facility, and fans of McFly or Counting Crows will surely dig it. Wakefield’s latest rising stars!
Paul Orwell – Purveyor of some of the most excellent and catchy psychedelic and mod garage sounds we’ve heard in quite some time. Fans of 13th Floor Elevators, ? and The Mysterians, The Monkees, and other fine farfisa and guitar-based pop will love this London artist! Check out his Like I Did Before EP, and you’ll be hooked!
The Paper Trains – Formed in 2011, Southampton’s The Paper Trains are a modern three-piece string band with a distinct repertoire of evocative and vocally-fuelled originals. Drawing influences from blues, roots, country and folk traditions, their debut album, due to arrive in June 2014, is set to be a union of elegant back-porch ditties and high-energy gritty foot stompers. Watch for it!
The Parkas – The Parkas are a band who believe in giving people what they truly deserve out of modern day British music; a powerful sound, catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics. They’ve played everywhere from beer festivals to Battle Of The Bands contests (they won their first!). They also performed outside the Lambretta clothing store in Carnaby Street and were quoted as being “the best band that had played” by the store’s manager! Fans of Oasis, The Jam, The Beatles, The Kinks, and T Rex will want to watch out for their demo disc and an ever growing base of new material by this band from Hadlow!
Kyle Parry – Armed with an acoustic guitar and a powerful voice, Parry is one to watch on the singer/songwriter circuit. He’s been playing around his home of Northern Wales for years, and is now reaching out to a wider audience. With an eclectic array of influences from Stereophonics to John Mayer, Band of Skulls, The Beatles, and Stevie Wonder (to name but a few!), his music is sure to appeal to pop fans of all shapes and sizes! His Late Nights and Early Mornings CD is now available!
The Reflections – Some glowing industry and press quotes have stuck with this four-piece London-based combo as words of encouragement and personal vindication in their pursuit of trying to create an element of melodrama and romanticism in their songs. Their debut self titled album has been called “A lolliping Spector kinda vibe made by people with probably impeccable record collections” (Simon Fraser, Fierce Panda Records). And if you like Gene Pitney, Del Shannon, or Scott Walker, The Reflections debut would make an excellent addition to your collection! Their upcoming album is going to retain those classic sounds, but with a lot more bite! Watch for it!
The River 68’s – With a classic rock attitude and contemporary delivery, The River 68’s are quick to tip their collective hats to music by the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Black Crowes. Fans of Americana harmony pop with a blues edge, such as CCR or The Grateful Dead, will also want to pick up a copy of their debut EP. One of our new favorite bands from Glasgow!
Rogue Frequency – In sticking with their early melodic/acoustic roots, Rogue Frequency hasn’t lost any of its trademark style, but incorporating a heavier sound came as a natural progression, featuring work on some groovy riffs, powerful anthems, and awe inspiring ballads. Their music will appeal to all ages and genres, as it ranges from rock to acoustic, glam, and even a bit of prog! Check out their latest CDs, Foetal Upon The Tiles, Pt I, and the follow up, Foetal Upon The Tiles, Pt II! One of Stockport’s finest bands!
Second Symphony – Second Symphony is a five piece rock-pop n’ roll band, based in Glasgow. The band is made up of the magical five: brothers Alex and William McMahon lead the band with vocals and guitars. James Whyte keeps it tight on the drums, aptly named bassist Stephen Toner plays down low but keeps spirits high, and playing the almighty piano is certified receiver of the holy signal: Dennis Dignall. Once heard, unlikely to be forgotten. Fans of The Raspberries, Bread, and ELO should pay attention to this one!
The See No Evils – Leeds is home to many fine ‘60s inspired psychedelic garage pop bands, and The See No Evils are no exception! Their debut EP, We Are Strangers, features ample amounts of frenetic jangle, driving rhythms, lingering effects, melodic twists, and vocal harmonies and hooks that fans of Love, 13th Floor Elevators, and The Rolling Stones are all sure to appreciate!
The Silver Factory – A jangly melodic pop quintet from Leicester influenced by bands such as The Velvet Underground, The Beatles, and The La’s, as well as by the original ‘60s pop psych movement and its many revivals. Their second Elefant Records release, a mini LP entitled If Words Could Kill, should find a happy home in the collection of any fan of 12-string Rickenbacker jangle and pretty harmonies!
Sons Of Jet – The latest project led by James Styring, main man of The Popdogs, whose debut album, Cool Cats for Pop Dogs, was released at last year’s IPO Liverpool to rave reviews. Sons of Jet’s tunes are inspired by the pioneers of rock n’ roll, and we can’t wait to hear how Styring takes those influences and adds his personal melodic touch! Sons of Jet’s debut cd single, “My Tears For You (No More)”/” Broken Record” will be available FREE at their IPO Liverpool gigs! Come check out on of Lincoln’s newest (and coolest!) pop acts!
The Sorrows – IPO Liverpool is honoured to have at the festival one of the founders of the freakbeat movement! Yes, it’s The Sorrows, who fans of ‘60s UK rock ‘n roll will surely know for their hit single and album, ‘Take A Heart’. More than 50 years on and they’re still going strong, led by one of the founding members, Don Fardon, who had a hit with ‘Indian Reservation’ before The Raiders! This is truly going to be something special!
The Soundcasters – Maidstone and Medway’s The Soundcasters were formed through a mutual love of a variety of music ranging from latin jazz to ‘70s punk. Influenced by such bands as The Beatles, The Band, The Animals, as well as more current ones like The Arctic Monkeys, their first EP had a ‘60s pop feel to it and received a huge response from a mixed audience. With the release of their debut full length album, Slight Of Hand, The Soundcasters have returned with a more mature image, feel and sound, which will blow you away!
Split Sofa – Historically a recording project (they’ve got three EPs and six full length albums already to their credit!), but more recently converted to a live band, these gents from Derbyshire have developed their own fresh new sub-genre of pop and prog that they like to call “Sofa Rock.” Influences include: Pink Floyd, Love, The Doors, Caravan, Gong, Kula Shaker, The Beatles, & music from the late ‘60s early ‘70s prog/rock/pysch. Their latest, Coloured Dream, “… is full of deceptively lightweight songs that impinge on your consciousness like hazy whispers.” (Geoff Barton, Classic Rock Magazine) A seventh full length album, Thornby Park, is in the works, and you can stay tuned to watch it all develop by following them on Twitter! Cool!
Spygenius – Inspired by bands like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Robyn Hitchcock, Spygenius offer ultra-melodic music with a light ‘60s influence. The London-based four-piece play original guitar-based pop for people with an appreciation for harmonies and clever wordplay….and who among us can’t appreciate that!? Fans will also appreciate their latest CD, Comforting Suture!
The Sunchymes (solo acoustic) – The music of The Sunchymes is a summery fusion of power pop and psychedelia which has been compared to the likes of The Beach Boys, Wondermints, Beatles, The Byrds, Jellyfish and Baby Lemonade. Fans of those bands, as well as of The Junipers (see above), should make a point of picking up both of The Sunchymes excellent discs, Shifting Sands and Let Your Free Flag Fly, and of catching this special solo acoustic performance at IPO Liverpool!
Sonya Titus – A London-based singer-songwriter of alternative feelgood pop with summery sounds and great rhythms. If you like classic, though slightly quirky and unpredictable songwriting with innovative and hopeful lyrics then you may want to take a listen. If one must compare, her voice has the smooth, easy listening stylings reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Sheryl Crow with slight Alanis hints. She’s been honing her live performance skills, so look out for her at IPO Liverpool!
The Tones – A British Contemporary Rock Band, with roots such as The Who and The Small Faces while adding modern influences like Oasis and The Arctic Monkeys. They are based in South London and have gotten reviews such as “Might give Weller a run for his money,” from Vive le Rock. They currently have only five recorded tracks, which they are releasing one by one, but their plans for the future include a full album, which we can hardly wait to hear!
Tytania – Described by many as a cross between One Republic and Lawson, Tytania spent most of 2013 touring throughout the UK, helping them to establish a loyal and ever growing fan base. Their new album, Here & Now, is unplugged, further showcasing the band’s awesome harmonies!
Ulysses – Rarely does a band come along and blow us away like this foursome from Bristol and Bath – each song on their myspace player is better than the last, bursting in equal parts with great harmonies and classic rock swagger. Classic Rock Magazine rated their song “Eye On You” from their debut CD, Everybody’s Strange, as one of the 100 best songs of the year for 2011! Fans of ‘70s glam and psychedelia a la T Rex, Queen, and The Rolling Stones will love these guys and consider both the debut and their latest CD, Kill You Again, as must haves! Their explosive live show will make you think Isle of Wight!
Under A Banner – An alternative rock band whose impassioned and powerful songs have been crafted to uplift, provoke, inspire and anger audiences who have grown tired of the glut of lacklustre and mechanized manufactured music in recent times. Their rhythm-driven acoustic sound is further bolstered by quirky and melodic vocal hooks, unusual chord progressions and the inclusion of piano and orchestral sounds; add to that a wide array of eclectic influences from traditional European folk music to prog to pop and glam, and it’s sure to strike a chord with a wide array of fans! One of Wolverhampton’s coolest bands!
The Wellgreen – The Wellgreen combine classic ‘60s songwriting, early powerpop and psychedelia on top of vintage recording techniques to create a familiar yet fresh and original sound. Written, recorded and produced by Marco Rea & Stuart Kidd in their spiritual home of The Barne on the outskirts of Glasgow, their latest album, Grin and Bear It, is their second on their own The Barne Society label! Fans of Neil Young, CCR, and George Harrison will dig ‘em!
West Of The Sun – A psychedelic rock combo from Camden, who combine shimmering guitar jangle with quirky chord changes, sparkling vocal harmonies, and all out ROCK into a delectable concoction to delight the senses! Fans of The Doors, The Animals, The Yardbirds, and The La’s (to name but a few!) should check out their Fountains of Fire EP!
International Artists
AqPop – A pop-rock-psych band based in Trondheim, Norway, the same city that spawned such mind-blowing bands like Dipsomaniacs, Motorpsycho, The Kulta Beats and Seid. Their music is influenced by both vintage and contemporary artists, and comparisons to Guided by Voices, The Byrds, and The Zombies are all apt. Their Beautifully Smart CD is a perfect way to start off your summer listening!
The Benefit Thieves – This power trio from Amsterdam is here to prove that great Brit pop styled melodic rock does not need to originate in Britain! Their combination of bouncy powerpop hooks and anthemic rock passion will appeal to fans of Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Oasis, The Verve and The Small Faces, to name but a few!
Ben’s Diapers – A guitar pop band from Turku, Finland, formed in late 1996 to operate an aesthetic emphasizing timeless classic values of a good song and humble, down-to-earth attitude. Their latest release, Up in the Mountains, Deep in the Sea, is chock full of the feel-good harmony driven folk-pop they’ve become known and loved for the world over!
Blue Popsicle – Having won some of the most important Battles of the Bands, and played to crowds of 50,000 in their home of Florence, Italy, Blue Popsicle bring their radio- and stadium-ready rock to IPO Liverpool. Their catchy pop hooks, angular indie rock chord changes, searing guitar solos and soaring vocals will make an instant fan of many a listener. Fans of The Kooks, Foo Fighters, and The Zutons should definitely check them out!
The Janne Borgh Identity – The solo outlet of Stockholm-based singer-songwriter-guitarist and bassist, Janne Borgh, who certainly knows his way around a great melody and a catchy hook! He was a member of the first Swedish mod-revival band, The Moderns, who released an album on EMI-Parlophone and toured the UK with Echo & The Bunnymen in 1980, and Liverpool audiences may also recognize him as a member of The Repeatles, who played every International Beatles Week from 2003 through 2010. Being a fan of the Beatles, the Who, and later bands like Badfinger, the Raspberries, the Records, and Big Star, powerpop has always been close to Borgh’s heart, but his music is also informed by influences of solo artists like Nick Lowe or Brendan Benson, as well as a not so secret torch for harder rock such as Thin Lizzy and Rush. Fans of these artists should definitely check him out!
Capitán Sunrise – As their name might imply, Capitán Sunrise are all about sunshine pop. Taking cues from such greats as Dusty Springfield, The Beach Boys, Belle and Sebastian, and past IPO performers such as The School and Cola Jet Set, their sound is warm and upbeat, filled with soft harmonies, and bubblegum hooks so sticky you’ll find yourself singing along even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish! Just one listen to their El Chico Más Guapo De La Galaxia EP, and we think you’ll agree they are one of the most enjoyable bands from Madrid!
Cherry Suede – Any band bold enough to name their debut album Long Live Rock had better deliver the goods, and this Ottawa, Ontario based quartet does not disappoint! Their poignant songs are fueled by high-impact instrumentation that captures the pure joy of music and pulls the listeners into the song. At a time when most rock music is either heavy or somber, Cherry Suede has found a unique niche by combining the sincerity of rock with the glamour of pop, and have established themselves as one of Canada’s most exciting live shows. Check out their latest album, Between Here and There, and their IPO showcase!
Cocktail Slippers – IPO is thrilled to welcome one of our long-time favorite bands to play IPO Liverpool! Their latest album, People Talk, is just released on Universal Norway and Wicked Cool, and is their best work yet! Fans of all kinds of FUN pop – from classic girl group to bubblegum, psychedelic pop, punk pop, and glam – will all find something to love. “[T]he Slippers sound a lot like the Go-Go’s but with gats in stead of L.A. cheer, and a mule kick in their high heels. It’s all retro action but written and detonated with the study and delight of modern rock & roll women in constant touch with their inner filly.” (David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine) When it comes to their live show, these ladies from Oslo really bring it, so don’t miss it!
Cornerstone – Austria may be known as the classical music capital of the world, but make no mistake, Cornerstone is here to rock. The press has been extremely favorable to the band’s blend of ‘80s rock mixed with the harder edge of today‘s alternative rock sounds. Their latest album, Somewhere in America, was released in Europe and The UK, but with its made for radio alt-rock hooks, it’s finding them many a fan (pardon the pun!) somewhere in America! Case in point: their follow up maxi single, Smalltown Boy, was released in the US late last year! Proceeds from the single support the Cystic Fibroses Centre in Nottingham, so come out and support the band and a great cause!
DEON – Having spent the last two years leading his band and playing numerable shows in his home of Singapore, Deon’s sound has matured into an eclectic mix of alternative-folk-rock-pop. His demo CD, LETTERS, garnered great reviews from Powerpopaholic and Power of Pop, as well as being rated 3.5/5 stars on TODAY – pretty cool!
Donkey Hot Pink – Donkey Hot Pink formed in 2011. The band, all in their teens, but showing a maturity in songwriting way beyond their years, are Ash – Guitar/Lead Vocals, Dainius – Bass/Vocals, and Alex – Drums/Vocals. With influences drawn from punk to Rossini and loads in between, they move seamlessly between rock antics and anthemic ballads. Check out theses rising stars from Mojacar, Spain!
Echo Lips – If The Everly Brothers stepped into a time tunnel and ended up in the early ‘80s performing with Soft Cell (with a guest appearance by Neil Young), they might sound like Echo Lips, a cool dirty pop band out of Aalborg, Denmark. Their debut album, Broken Heart Attack, is filled with hooks that will reel you in, and songs that have a simple complexity that is utterly charming and well deserving of your attention!
Eliaz – Oslo-based Powerpop/Alternative/Classic Rock artist and multi-instrumentalist Eliaz was the singer in The Circus Sideshow in the late ‘90s. Since ‘07 he’s been the singer in the classic rock band Bangkok Babes, but he’s also an artist to be reckoned with in his own right. His songs, heavily influenced by such as Enuff Z’Nuff, Bowie, Jellyfish, and Queen have been released on various EPs and compilations over the years, as well as on his recent full length album, Changes, which fans of those artists will surely appreciate!
Jose Estragos – A singer/songwriter from Madrid, Spain, whose piano pop stylings are heavily influenced by Lennon-McCartney. Just one listen, and you’ll understand why he had to play IPO Liverpool! He’s got a new disc in the works, so watch out for it!
French Boutik – This Parisian ensemble has their musical hands firmly on the pulse of our future while keeping their feet grounded on dance floors of the past. Buzzing and popping with powerful guitar, percolating organ, and sultry female lead vocals, their sounds perfectly represent French Boutik’s timely marriage of English and French pop. The resulting songs here are social portraits peppered with irony, and delivered with sophistication not unlike The Kinks, Jacques Dutronc or XTC. Groovy!
The Friday Prophets – A four-piece rock band hailing from Umea, Sweden. They play loud, they play fast and they make hooky melodies. Their debut album Bits & Pieces, was recently released, and will appeal to fans of Green Day, NOFX, and Social Distortion!
The Jeremy Band – Jeremy Morris is one of the most genuine, nicest people on the pop scene, as well as one of the most prolific pop artists around. His gentle, John Lennon-influenced pop is as spiritual as it is melodic, and you can hear this for yourself on all of his CDs. This Michiganian can stake his rightful place in the IPO Hall Of Fame as he and his band have played more IPO festivals than almost anyone else!
Lovely – Lovely was formed in Linköping, Sweden, in the winter of 2006, and that summer their first four songs were recorded for the most part in main-man Jens’s living room. Their influences are planted firmly in the soil of ‘60s pop, with songs reminiscent of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Hollies, and Tages (!). In other words, they were born to play The Cavern…check them out and we think you’ll agree!
The Marvelous Beauhunks – A band from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada who play some of the best Britpop made outside of Britain! Catchy melodies with just the right balance between jangle and rock with a touch of mod will remind you of such bands as The Jam, The Stone Roses, and The Clash…check out their recent Do Not Resuscitate CD and enjoy for yourself!
The Maureens – If you like all things “west coast pop” and ‘60s inspired powerpop, you will love this band from Utrecht, Netherlands! The Beach Boys-like vocal stylings combined with the jangly powerpop of bands like The Posies on their debut self-titled album will blow you away!
Mellowmen – Carrying on the tradition of awesome Swedish powerpop, Mellowmen write songs that combine a theatrical vaudevillian flair with psychedelic and sunshine jangle pop influences. Fans of Benny Andersson, The Beach Boys, and Supergrass will want to check out their IPO showcase and their latest CD, Tomorrow’s Sound Today! But don’t let their name fool you, as their live show is anything BUT mellow!!
The MonaLisa Twins – With 19-year-old twin girls from Vienna named Mona and Lisa being the core of the band, they write original songs in the 60’s Beat music tradition, reviving the genre with a fresh twist without sounding pop-ish or trivial. On their debut album, When We’re Together, they present the finest Rock n’ Roll and Beat music, skillfully venturing out in Psychedelic, Folk and even Latin genres, inspired by the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel. Their signature features are polyphonic harmonies and a wiry, bright guitar sound. Their newest album is entitled The MonaLisa Twins Play The Beatles & More…so you know they will be at their best at The Cavern!
The Most – One listen to their music and you’ll understand why these guys from Umeå, Sweden, just had to be part of IPO Liverpool for their 2nd year in a row! They specialize in sweet jangling psychedelia that nicely straddles the line between garage pop, mod and soft pop that fans of The Monkees, The Jam, and The Beatles are sure to dig! Check out any of their 7” vinyl EPs or Auto Destructive Art, their debut full length album that was released last year at IPO, and you’ll hear what we mean!
Octubre – Pretty jangly melodies with sweet harmonies – everything you’d expect in classic sounding Spanish powerpop, and then some! Inspired by the psychedelic pop of the ‘60s, power pop of the ‘70s, and ‘80s New Wave and Indie Pop, Octubre have put forth a gem of orchestrated jangle pop with psychedelic twists and turns on their latest CD, Todo se llava el viento, which is available on Rock Indiana! Fans of artists from The Byrds to The Beach Boys and Teenage Fanclub will want to check them out!
Matthew Pop – Matthew Pop is a Brooklyn, New York-based artist who you’ve probably heard a dozen times but couldn’t pick out of a lineup. Still, he’s had his music featured in a number of popular MTV shows, in film, on NYC radio and has even been the opening act for Regina Spektor. This prolific songwriter whose songs sound like a cross between Weezer, Superdrag, and The Beach Boys, has so much sweet pop-dom to offer that his two latest releases are compendia of his work: last year’s Lights Out: The Best of Matthew Pop, featuring 20 of his “greatest hits,” and the recently released Matthew Pop Trash: a collection of rarities, demos, and live tracks. Definitely an artist well-deserving of powerpop stardom!
Vicente Prats – Another great powerpop artist from Valencia, Spain! The songs on the debut self titled album jangle, rock, and soar in a way that fans of artists such as Teenage Fanclub, The Byrds, and Big Star are sure to appreciate!
Random Sound – A melodic pop rock quartet from Värnamo, Sweden, with an emphasis on strong vocals who fuse bits of soul and funk into their songs, drawing comparisons to artists such as Maroon 5 and Coldplay. The release of their latest album, The World As We Know It, has earned them recognition beyond Swedish borders, with airplay on radio stations in various parts of Europe. They are also known for delivering a great live show that you will not want to miss!
Dave Rave – He began popping very powerfully indeed a near quarter century ago as part of the legendary Canadian bands Teenage Head and The Shakers, and has often been referred to as “The Canadian Nick Lowe.” In addition to being one of the most entertaining and hardworking powerpoppers around, he’s also been known to display his jazzy side on several collaborations with fellow Canadian singer/songwriter, Mark McCarron. His recent CD, Live With What You Know, was nominated for a Grammy, as was one of its songs, “Anne Marie”!! He’s played nearly every IPO for over three years running (including as many as 50 in a row!), and we look forward to many more. Thank you, Dave!!
Rollo Time – These Chicago, Illinois boys describe themselves as just a bunch of guys who’ve played music together over the years who finally got together and recorded a bunch of songs. Said songs can be heard on their latest CD, Victims of the Crown, and will rock you out in the classic powerpop tradition. Think Mathew Sweet, Cheap Trick, Guided By Voices and XTC all rolled into one, and you get the picture!
The Rosquettes – The Rosquettes combine surf pop, psychedelic pop, Merseybeat, and loads of humor into their music to put a smile on your face and a shake in your hips! Their latest album, We Could Have Been Bigger Than…, will appeal to fans of The Beatles, Jan and Dean, The Monkees, and They Might Be Giants. Check out this thoroughly enjoyable band from Sevilla, Spain!
Slim Loris – Slim Loris blends Indie Pop/Rock with Americana and a pinch of Swedish melancholy. They “… create beautiful, melodic songs with emotional vocals that address love, inner tranquility and consciousness, and possess a charismatic singer capable of captivating any fan of Indie music”. (mostdef.blogspot.se) Check out their latest release, Future Echoes and Past Replays, and hear for yourself!
Sonic Rapture – Sonic Rapture are a four-piece Berlin based band, founded in Summer 2011. Inspired by the sound that exploded around the year 1969, they let loose a powerful wave of garage-rock accompanied by easy to grasp arrangements and passionate melodies on their debut self-titled six-track vinyl album. Two lead vocals, a guitar full of blues and fuzz, a roaring Hammond and an upfront rhythm section melt down into a sound that captures all in a moment. Get ready as they bring their electric live show to IPO Liverpool!
The Spontanas – The Spontanas are a Dutch power pop band with the emphasis on power. The band is a friendly merger between The Montanas and Buffalo Roam, both bands originating from Leeuwarden, a city in the northern part of The Netherlands. The first is known for their catchy songs with sweet harmonies, while the latter for tight high octane garage rock. The result of this unholy alliance is a band that plays catchy pop songs with a lot of thrust and energy.
Stillwave – Formed in Utrecht, the Netherlands, their sound is a mix of alternative, new wave, post-punk and shoegaze. Stillwave creates an innovative mix of guitars drenched in reverb, characteristic vocals and powerful drums, combined with electronics and synthesizers. With their live shows they quickly found an audience who shares in their experience of letting go of so many things that matter so little in order to grab a hold of the few things that matter so much. At the end of 2013, they entered the studio to begin recording their debut eponymous EP, “Modes of Transport,” the latest single off the EP is available now. Fans of David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys, and Local Natives should check it out!
Stootsie – Some of you may recognize this gentleman from Salzburg, Austria as the main man of The Seesaw, who has played many an IPO festival and who achieved major label success in their home country! As a solo artist, Stootsie carries on the band’s trademark quirky chord changes and fun, upbeat pop melodies! One listen, and you’ll see why he and the band achieved so much success back home!
The Sympathy – A quintet from Gothenburg, Sweden who wear their musical sympathies proudly on their sleeves! Their music is a fusion of R&B, punk pop, and Farfisa-fueled psychedelic garage that we think fits just right at IPO Liverpool! Fans of The Animals, The Monkees, The Rolling Stones, and The Ramones, enjoy!
Tangarine – Tangarine are the twin brothers Arnout and Sander Brinks from Assen, The Netherlands. Their latest release, Seek & Sigh, on Excelsior Recordings, is full of their gentle folk pop jangle and harmonies, influenced by the like of Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel & Neil Young. Fans of Warm Morning Brothers (see below) will also really dig them!
TanStuPids – An alternapop power trio from Castelló, Spain. Plou, their just released second album on Flor y Nata Records, features chunky keyboards and organic chord changes that fans of Elton John, Jellyfish, Ben Folds Five, and Crowded House are sure to enjoy!
The Temponauts – From Piacenza, Italy, a band with their collective head in the ‘60s, but their eyes on the present. Always tuned on to the electric waves of the Byrds and The Fifth Dimension, and in everlasting love to the Kinks and the Stones and ‘60s guitar power pop, starting with The Turtles and Easybeats, they take the jingle-jangle sound through the ‘80s paisley underground to the garage rock revival of today. As if their debut CD, A Million Year Picnic, wasn’t awesome enough, their latest disc, The Canticle Of The Temponauts, is even better!
viseMenn – viseMenn are a Norwegian alternative rock band that plays atmospheric and melodic dream-rock. Characteristic for the band is their diverse song material, soulful melodies and virtuoso guitar playing. Sonically they belong somewhere between U2, Sigur Ros, Coldplay, Mogwai and Radiohead. Having released two CDs with lyrics in their native Norwegian language, the band is now working on material for their third album, where the lyrics will be in English…check out the recently released single, “Begging You Please” for a taste!
Warm Morning Brothers – If their name conjures images of their sound, as soon as you pick up their recent CD, Too Far From The Stars, you’ll know this band from Piacenza, Italy hit it spot-on! They consider the album their “…personal tribute to the marvelous 70’s pop music….eternal pop masterpieces by great artists like Roger Nichols, Paul Williams, Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, The Carpenters, Carole King and many others. It is a collage of everyday short stories, stories about characters who share a continual search…trying to shake off the weight of their everyday problems, aiming to reach, one day, to the stars…..” The Simon & Garfunkel of Piacenza!
We Patriots – We Patriots are Frank Eijkenduijn (drums) and Marco Braam (vocals and all other instruments), Kasper Jansen (guitar), Sjoerd Braam (guitar), and Rick Braam (Bass), of Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. Take a left at The Beatles, cross Television Personalities and enter the third street on your right near dEUS, and you begin to arrive at their sound. Better yet, pick up a copy of their latest disc, A Dog’s Tale, and come to their IPO showcase!
The White Kites – A radiant Intergalactic psych rock band based in Warsaw, Poland! Their debut album, Missing, sets sail for uncharted seas in a vessel of psychedelic nature: off to a world of epic stories, humorous n’ absurd musical sketches and humble ballads, a world filled by the sounds of distorted guitars, deep belly rumbling organs, soothing flutes and mesmerizing mellotron. Fans of Brian Wilson, The Beatles, and Gilbert O’Sullivan in particular will love these guys!