Hundred-word Reviews for April 2025: Rock #1

More hundred-word reviews. It’s rock this time.

Ex-Vöid – In Love Again
Start with a punk sensibility, write songs with pop values, and deliver them with power, commitment and finesse. That’s the recipe employed by Ex-Vöid. Fronted by Lan McArdle and Owen Williams, the group leans heavily into the dual lead vocal approach (see also: Squeeze), but with male and female voices, the result has an emotional depth and intensity that sets it apart from the pack. The cover art might lead one to expect a goth-tinged affair, but the contents have more in common with the album title. Strong songwriting, razor-sharp hooks and uncluttered arrangements make this a rewarding listening experience.

20/20 – Back to California
Responsible for classics like “Yellow Pills” and “Giving it All,” 20/20 was one of the greatest powerpop bands. They never got their due, though. 20/20’s original run lasted only from ‘79 to 1982, but their music lives on. Sadly, in recent years, most online chatter about the group has come from the band’s original drummer – let go during sessions for their debut – ranting endlessly about “his band.” Don’t let all that overshadow your enjoyment of Back to California, the first new music in many years from the group. 20/20’s timeless sound – jangle, muscle and melody – is intact without sounding retro.

Steve Robinson – Window Seat
Folk rock of the British variant has always held a special place in this listener’s heart. And it was a joy to discover that one quality exponent of that style lives not in the UK but in my neck of the woods, Western North Carolina. Steve Robinson’s Window Seat has flavors of Nick Lowe, Neil Finn, Gilbert O’Sullivan and Badfinger (to name four). He understands the power of harmony, and employs is effectively across 11 catchy, memorable songs. Robinson writes lyrics that won’t cause embarrassment during the inevitable singing-along. The participation of Dave Gregory makes an excellent album even better.

Atomic Crumb – Atomic Crumb
This group describes itself as “a small band with a big sound.” That’s quite accurate. Featuring for seasoned players – each with a sterling reputation in the Asheville and Western N.C. music scene – Atomic Crumb applies a subtle Southern sensibility to songs that combine pop sensibility with more musically ambitious ideas. The result – as showcased on this seven-song debut release – is pop with substance, hard-rocking and catchy tunes with soaring solos and memorable melodies. It’s not impossible to assemble a group with great players, but Atomic Crumb showcases strong vocal harmonies on top of that as they create wholly original music.

AND HEY: You can (and truly should)  go see and hear these guys. They’re playing Saturday, May 17 at 1pm @ Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard.

The On and Ons – Come On In
Shimmering, power-chording rock is a subcategory of pop music that yields endless enjoyment. The On and Ons make new music that conjures thoughts of ‘60s The Who and early ‘70s Raspberries. With the lead vocals of Glenn Morris, one might well think they’re hearing new music from the late Tom Evans (so uncanny is the resemblance). And while texture and sound only get an artist so far, The On and Ons bring quality songwriting to the table. While many powerpop acts come across somewhat inauthentically, this outfit trades in the style honestly, making them among the best of the lot.