Review: The Jellybricks “Suckers” [EP]

Powerpop
There is good news and bad news surrounding the new release from powerpop outfit, The Jellybricks. The good news is that “Suckers” doesn’t suck at all, which leads me right to the bad news…it’s only an EP. The Jellybricks school wannabe powerpop musicians with these 7 tracks, but they are so good you’ll wish school was in session for another 7 more!

Nevertheless, let’s not discount the release or the band because of the brevity. “Suckers” might be classified as hard rock candy, as these tracks generally have more of an edge than previous Jellybricks fare. Take the crunchy riffs of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” as an example – this opener is a stupendous song that has a lot of gusto but not at the expense of euphoric harmonies and a catchy chorus. “Their Own Way” coasts along a more familiar road for this band and is a simply gorgeous ode with words of wisdom. “Sold” boasts another round of intelligent lyrics with a shout out verse sandwiching a golden chorus swirling with harmony. “Dead End Girl” is the standout ballad, with melancholy melodies surrounding the biting lyrics. The EP concludes with the bonus track “Beryllium”, a cool track that edges into Blink-182 territory, and an acoustic version of an old favorite, “Who Is God 2011” (originally on the 1997 record “Kinky Boot Beast”).

“Suckers” is a tremendously enjoyable EP from a consistently great band – lick it up.

The Jellybricks – Official site.

New video: Jellybricks "Ruin Us"

This is so cool!

"By special agreement* with the creators of Rock Band 2, here's the video for "Ruin Us," off our most recent album, "Goodnight to Everyone." "Goodnight to Everyone" is available for download on the iTunes Store, amazon.com and other digital music merchants. CDs available at cdbaby.com and koolkatmusik.com. Pirated copies available on many fine BitTorrent sites.

*we agreed to pay money in return for a copy of the game" - The Jellybricks

Check it out:

Review: The Jellybricks "Goodnight To Everyone"

The Jellybricks should need no introduction to any true power pop fan. These guys have been at it for a little over a decade now, and we've spent the last four years eagerly awaiting their fourth album - the follow up to 2004's landmark "Power This". They've taken their time, but now delivered ten new tracks on "Goodnight To Everyone" that prove it was well worth the wait. And this CD has some pretty cool artwork to boot!

The opening riffs of "Eyes Wide" make us fall in love all over again and quickly forgive The Jellybricks for the four year wait. With its sing along chorus and tight harmonies, "Eyes Wide" is sure to dilate some pupils. Next up is the title track, filled with a delectable hook and punchy verse riff - "Goodnight To Everyone" ain't no lullaby. "Ruin Us" is another should-be hit with a great lyric. Power pop rockers "More To Lose" and "Up To You" are additional standouts. It's not easy to do, but if I were forced to pick a favorite track, it would have to be the hugely melodic "Nobody Else". Fans of Cliff Hillis, IKE, Matthew Sweet, The Tories, etc...you need to check out The Jellybricks.

"Goodnight to Everyone" is one of the most hook-filled Jellybricks release yet. I say this with each new CD they release, but this one is my favorite. All there is left to do now is cross our fingers that we'll see another Jellybricks CD before 2013!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9

The Jellybricks on MySpace. Official Site.