So full disclosure I run a record label and I’ve come to an agreement with Blood Makes Noise to let me promote releases every week. The idea is every week I will present a playlist with some new Mint 400 Records music and what I think inspired our songwriters. This week we have two new singles by Brian Erickson of the Asbury Park band The Extensions as he prepares to release his first solo album and the other is by The Campbell Apartment of San Francisco as they prepare for their new full length “Curmudgeon”. In addition Reese Van Riper drops his 4th release of the year a new LP titled “Your Dream Is Dead”.
We’ll start with Brian Erickson who does have a unique sound but I equated his vocals with Josh Caterer of The Smoking Popes or John K. Sampson of The Weakerthans. Although his new release as a whole comes off a little lighter and more pop than his full time band The Extensions who are way more comparable to The Smoking Popes and The Weakerthans.
Next we have The Campbell Apartment whose band leader Ari Vais actually was asked to join the band Fountains Of Wayne in his younger days, hence the comparison as TCA always has fun lyrics mixed with 90’s power pop. Although their upcoming album shows off their songwriting chops and all the different directions this band can go in. The other song “Move On” by The Brixton Riot was chosen because the two bands used to play together all the time and definitely the influence of that shows in both bands. As well Jerry Lardieri mixed the upcoming “Curmudgeon” album.
Finally Reese Van Riper the most prolific musical chameleon in New Jersey presents yet another new album following up the re-release of his Revelation album, Electric City LP, and Bourbon At The Lake EP all of which were released this year on Mint 400 Records. The band and Papa Reese have the ability to jump genre’s flawlessly. Sometimes they sound like an all out southern fried blues band and other times they are spot on Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and yet other times they are Alice In Chains. On this new album my two personal favorites are the mellow indie vibe of “Issues” which reminds me of something Burt Bacharach might write. Next I chose “Hell Awaits You” which tips it’s hat to dark country music of the 1960’s which is why I compared it to the man in black himself as both sing with a low rumble in their voice.
Feel free to call me out in the comments section if you think I did a bad job or you have a better suggestion that we can add. Until next week when we have a new handful of things coming your way.