Kool Kat Musik Label Releases

Why don't they teach heartbreak at school? Price: $14.00 Artist: Aerial Description: Scottish power-poppers Aerial are back with their sophomore album (and Kool Kat label debut) that proves that the band has lost none of the infectious energy, pop hooks and West Coast harmonies that defined their sound the first time around. Formed in the late 90's, they soon came to the attention of London-based Fantastic Plastic Records who released two highly acclaimed EPs by the band in 2000. Their debut album, "Back Within Reach", was released in 2001 by Japanese label Syft Records. Following a series of line-up changes the group disbanded later the same year. Fast forward 10 years and Aerial, re-tuned and re-grouped, began writing the follow up which resulted in their new record, which picks up right where their debut left off. This is the sound of a band who have lost none of their sense of youthful exuberance. "These high-flying Scots are right on the verge of takeoff for their second LP. Frankly the month of September just got a whole lot better, and it hasn't even started yet." - Powerpopulist.com "I love a song like 'Cartoon Eyes' with a middle eight that surprises, and when it’s surrounded by pure chorus sounding curiously like Elastica’s 'Waking Up' being covered by Blue Oyster Cult, I’m sold. Turn it up." - HoneyandBile.com "A quick listen to their new offering is enough to remind you of this Scottish trio's ability to produce jaunty slabs of mesmerising melody: a trait they displayed in abundance during their first incarnation in the late 90's" - Aberdeen.stv.tv GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Activities Of Daily Living Price: $14.00 Artist: Aerial Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! Scotland’s Aerial has finally delivered their highly anticipated album after a decade-long hiatus. Following the success of their 2014 standout and top-ranked, “Why Don’t They Teach Heartbreak At School?, the band returns with the CD debut of “Activities of Daily Living”, their second release on the Kool Kat label. Once again, they’ve hit the mark, particularly resonating with fans of Teenage Fanclub and Fountains of Wayne, as Aerial continues to thrive in that musical sphere. “A delightful array of cleverly crafted earworms that showcases the band’s trademark wit and charm.” - Sweet Sweet Music “The songwriting duo of Colin Cummings and Mackie Mackintosh once again craft clever, off-kilter lyrics set to well-crafted power pop arrangements, particularly on energetic gems such as the title track, ‘An Encore And A Cover Song’ and ‘Bad Tattoo.’ ‘I Bet You Know Karate’ will have listeners clapping their hands instead of breaking boards.” - Broken Hearted Toy “The return of Aerial is something to be celebrated. They don't make records that often, this being the third in 23 years including their 2001 debut. ‘Why Don't They Teach Heartbreak At School’ was Goldmine's ‘2014 Album Of The Year’ and is an album that I continually play. Back with Duncan Cameron of Travis and Teenage Fanclub fame producing, this is essential Power Pop of the highest order and that is something that you get to say as often as you used to. Aerial also manage to straddle the genre. ‘Pixelated Youth’ is classic 90’s college Power Pop and may be my favourite here, but I'm also aware of how great the band are at slowing things down. ‘Run These Lights’ and ‘Silversand’ being the best examples. More important than anything is that Aerial have not lost their chops. I can think of no band better at what they do. There is also a general feeling that Brits don't take to this sort of Power Pop much. The interest since the album was announced proves that opinion is misguided. If you are good enough, people will come. The UK scene has become incredibly regional, but this can be an album to partially ignite the interest in the genre. Magnificent!” - I Don’t Hear A Single GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Selection Box Vol. 1/The Appleyard Sessions (2CD) Price: $17.00 Artist: Amoeba Teen Description: Ameoba Teen’s core members Mark Britton (rhythm guitar and keyboard) and Mike Turner (lead guitar) met as teenagers and have been writing together for nearly two decades. They first bonded on a shared appreciation of Cream and other classic British blues acts, but their interests soon moved on to artists that were more melodic but still with prominent and layered guitars, including Neil Young, Jellyfish, Wilco, and Teenage Fanclub. In early 2017 they rewarded fans with “Selection Box Vol. 1” followed in five months by “The Appleyard Sessions” (both download-only releases). They now make their CD debut on this 2CD collection! Although “Selection Box” is ostensibly the “pop” album and “Appleyard” the “folk” album (they even contain songs titled “Pop” and “Folk,” respectively), when paired together, they seem not so much two different genres as two different ways of conveying the writers’ inner lives. “I love power pop, be it from the Mod 60’s, the skinny-tie 70’s, or any of the genre’s various revivals, up to the present day. But if I am honest with myself, I will admit that whereas power pop classics retain a timeless immediacy, many of them have something missing. That something is emotional maturity. Hence, for the listener who loves catchy melodies, ear-candy harmonies, guitars that alternately jangle and fuzz, and simple rhythm, there is a crisis built into power pop: how can an artist take a medium designed to express teenage angst and adapt it to say meaningful things about adult life? Is such a task even possible? I submit that it is, and that the proof is in the Amoeba Teen recordings that comprise this collection. There is no doubt that ‘Selection Box’ wears its emotions on its sleeve. From the supercharged starburst of ‘This Spark’ to the defiantly above-the-weather ‘Good Morning Sunshine,’ to the tenderly encouraging ‘Fade Out,’ the message is clear. Adult life is messy and often disappointing. The frankness of the lyrics finds its complement in the intensity of the album’s musical arrangements. Save for a couple of tunes where the band lightens the mood, such as the lush ‘Memory Lane’ (which manages to capture the mood of ‘Penny Lane’ nicely without falling into soundalike territory), there is a surfeit of nervous energy in its grooves. It’s palpable in the crunchy staccatoed guitar lines of ‘This Spark,’ the slightly neurotic high-hat on ‘Hearts and Minds,’ and the plaintive Al Kooper organ line feeling its way through ‘Fade Out.’ Often, it threatens to bubble over into a kind of ecstasy, and sometimes it does. But even when it doesn’t, it’s always satisfying, because it speaks to the experiences of people who are trying to find beauty in everyday life. That same search for beauty is evident in ‘The Appleyard Sessions’, but there it is expressed far more delicately, with lyrics that read like poems and arrangements that feel like soundscapes. For my money, the standouts are ‘Folk’ and ‘3 a.m., Here I Am,’ which combine to give the impression of a swatch of a soundtrack to a lost film. There’s an entire story just in the reverberations of the opening guitar chord of ‘Folk,’ with its mysterious tuning recalling Jimmy Page in his most Bert Janschian mood. I’m also taken with the subtle ambient effects that pan left-right left and the other elements of ‘musique concrete’ that waft through the mix. Add Mike’s tensile voice as it chimes in with haiku-like verses, and Amoeba Teen succeeds in creating a sound collage that evokes ‘Bookends’-era Simon and Garfunkel. A sense of melancholy pervades those songs and others throughout this disc. With the recordings on this collection, Amoeba Teen successfully stretch the boundaries of power pop to make it express grown-up ideas. At the same time, they display a unique and beautiful flair for the familiar-yet-new melodies that keep the genre forever young. Their sound has real substance, and I’m excited to discover where their muse will take them in the years to come.” - Dawn Eden Goldstein Eloquently stated Dawn….thank you! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

ANC4 Price: $15.00 Artist: ANC4 Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! ROGER ARVIDSON ALERT!! Roger’s brilliant “Arvidson & Butterflies” release ranks as one of Kool Kat’s best-selling ever label releases. ANC4 (a/k/a Arvidson &Nilsson Combo Four) is a newly formed band that consists of four long serving members of the Swedish music scene. Songwriters Roger Arvidson (vocals/guitar), and Tomas Nilsson (vocals/guitar – of The Mop Tops!), are complimented by Janne Borgh (bass/backing vocals – The Moderns), and Niclas "Tidaholm’s Ringo" Österberg (drums). The band breathes new life into Rickenbacker-fueled, 60’s style nuggets with strong melodies and sweet harmonies whilst keeping relevant in the current music scene. “A diverse collection of bright, hummable pop tunes drawing on a wide scope of influences from The Beatles to The Byrds. As different as these songs may be from one another, each starts with a great melody from which hangs the musical elements necessary to make one catchier than the last. ‘Easy Way Out’ is a great choice for an opening track with its memorable guitar hook and spot on harmonies. The twangy slide guitar of ‘You Can Call Me Darling’ melts like something out of a Dali painting. And those bells – just lovely. ‘The Chronicle’, is an amazing track with multi-layered textures created almost certainly through some sort of studio wizardry. ‘So Good To Me’ maintains the good mood vibe and leads right into ‘Happy Again’, a bit of pure, uplifting power pop with very possibly the catchiest chorus I’ve heard this year. ‘It Don’t Matter’ is an earworm with guitar shimmer that may remind one of The La’s. ‘No More Words’ has that Byrds-ian jangle that never goes out of fashion. With more hooks than a pirate convention, ANC4 is easily one of my favorite records of 2019!” – PowerPopNews.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Strange Tide Price: $15.00 Artist: ANC4 Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! WOW!! Of course we love it (and please pardon the hype), but even if “Strange Tide”, ANC4’s second release wasn’t on Kool Kat we’d still rate as a Top 5 (or maybe even #1) “Best Power Pop Record Of 2021” – it’s that brilliant! The band delivers impeccably well crafted songs written by the songwriting duo of Roger Arvidson and Tomas Nilsson with the backing of a superb rhythm section made up of Janne Borgh on bass and Niclas Österberg on drums. “’Strange Tide’ is a 10/10 rated affair. The Swedish summer normally ends in August but this album will lengthen it to Christmas. It’s brimming with melodic songs, jangly guitars and lovely vocals. All 16 tracks have potential to be singles. ‘Being Nice’ is this year’s best power pop track. Roger Arvidson and Tomas Nilsson …. We salute you.” – Per Dahlqvist “It is not often you find a band that is consistent in the quality of their releases but ANC4 have proved they have the knack to pen and play a plethora of tip top pop. Album opener ‘Struck Gold’ is almost like an epiphany as every track on this album is gold and you will feel like you have won the musical lottery. You want jangle, you want harmonies, you want melodies and more hooks than Ikea’ curtain department, along with well crafted lyrics, then look no further than ANC4, this Swedish quartet has all you want and all you need.” Wayne Ford/The Ice Cream Man We could gush more, but have a listen…you will be pleased! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Caught By Light Price: $12.00 Artist: Armchair Oracles Description: Norway’s Armchair Oracles’ third long-player (and Kool Kat Musik label debut) is a flat-out stunner! But don’t just take our word for it! "They trade in classic power pop with great melodies, quirky tempo and chord changes, and spot-on harmonies are what this band from Norway are all about. Their songs bring to mind such influences as The Beatles, Big Star and Love!" – David Bash/IPO “Songs that are drawn in bewitching colors, doused with the spirit of decades of classic guitar pop and seasoned by Norway's quartet of the moment, ‘Caught by Light’ jumps to the front flank of 2019's finest releases. Twisting and turning in and around the essence of bands such as Badfinger and Teenage Fanclub, they roll out a virtual guide to being safe and at home in this life. Their finely crafted songs reach out and touch the sounds of the 70’s and 80’s, while also hugging contemporary sensibilities. The breathtakingly beautiful ‘Don't Let It Break You,’ a muscular power ballad with soft shoulders, sings a song of hope and guidance. ‘Several Stories’ tells a melodic tale of someone who understands how to rebound from a fall from grace. Songs such as the provocatively titled ‘She Gets Me High,’ a concise, crafted-with-care ballad about the narrator's safe place continues the listener's journey through an invigorating program of melodically-sewn musical life lessons. They have brought some welcome light into this life - extremely catchy earworms that at times drift atop gorgeous melodies and beautifully-realized arrangements. Great album. Unmissable. I heart Armchair Oracles, and you will too.” - Alan Haber/Pure Pop Radio High praise indeed! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Nothingeveris Price: $14.00 Artist: Armchair Oracles Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! “Nothingeveris” is Norway’s Armchair Oracles’ fourth overall release and their second on the Kool Kat label. It’s already garnered some advance rave reviews! “Each outing from the Armchair Oracles unveils another glorious facet of their versatile and adaptable style. Whether it be an added layer of harmony, a punk rock approach to the rhythm, or a heavier vibe with the groove, this Norwegian powerhouse have it all covered. Indeed, ‘Nothingeveris’ is the sound of a band who know their strengths in and out but are also not afraid to leap in new directions, their quintessential offering so far.” – Tom Hilton/Aldora Britain Records “Another superb album from a band whose qualities should be more widely recognized if this was a fair world. Armchair Oracles battle on with a constant in every record: the utmost care they take in creating melodies that Harry Nilsson and Brian Wilson, two of their main sources of inspiration, would be proud of (check their homage to both artists on the song ‘Nilsson Wilson’.” – Pop Phil/RateYourMusic “Although centered around the 90’s pop rock explosion, the band can be anything that you want them to be from 70’s gentleness to Teenage Fanclub 90’s. From The Posies to AOR and with large slabs of power pop, everything is so damn catchy. ‘Nothingeveris’ is an album to listen through from start to finish and then to start again. It is a fantastic example of how uplifting pop rock can be. Completely Outstanding!” – I Don’t Hear A Single ‘‘Nilsson Wilson’ is a lush pop-rock offering...the vibe is very Rogue Wave meets Al Stewart.” - Pop Rock Record GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Arvidson & Butterflies Price: $14.00 Artist: Arvidson & Butterflies Description: JANGLE ALERT!! WOW!! A HUGE thanks To Wayne” The Ice Cream Man” Ford (who co-wrote a couple of the songs) for bringing this fabulous record to us! Roger Arvidson has been a stalwart of the Gothenburg, Sweden music scene for many years, playing in bands such as the Remains and Sonic Walthers before going solo under the name Arvidson. His critically acclaimed, self-titled solo debut came out in 2001 on German label Firestation Records. Arvidson & Butterflies , is the newest vehicle for Roger’s songs, and he’s backed by some of finest musicians from the Gothenburg music scene. “Feel good pop songs seem to come easy to Roger...crisp, clean melodies, bright jangling guitars, effortless vocals....all mixed together to create what can only be described as perfect pop songs...it only takes the first ten seconds of the intro to ‘Tired Of Running’ to know that these feel good songs are foot tappers from the start. With hints of the swinging 60’s and nods towards an upbeat Tom Petty, 2 and a half minutes of listening pleasure are guaranteed track by track. No need to fill four minutes with pointless solos, just catchy hooks and clever breaks as in ‘Butterflies’ keep the balance of time and sound just right. The more introspective ‘Say That’ just proves that he is more than just the power pop card player.., it takes more to pull off a slow tune than a quick 4:4 pop song and on this evidence there's every indication that either formula comes naturally. There are the obvious influences to be heard from the Beatles to the Beach Boys to the early jangle of REM but at the end of the day all the tracks have their own identity. So who cares if he takes inspiration from somewhere - who doesn’t? The fact that the finest examples of the pop song can be heard on this selection of tracks is all one needs to know.” - John Dillam "Brimming with really good songs in a tradition of pop that I love! So retro and up to date at the same time!” - Mats Westling “Glimmering classy, jangly power pop with pinches of Byrds, Teenage Fanclub, and Paul Weller throughout that featuring strong harmonies and strumming guitars. Spiced with great melodies , just as good as lemonade on a hot summers day”- Kai Martin “Roger Arvidson’s got 100 percent irresistible power pop brilliance right up there with the three B’s and stuff like Alex Chilton, Byrds, Undertones and The Who.” – LP Anderson/Bear Family Records "Love it, ‘Will Follow’ sounds wonderfully atmospheric! Layer-upon-layer of melodic loveliness! Kudos! And ‘Lights Go Out’ lights me up! Reminiscent of Dwight Twilley and Phil Seymour.” - Butch Young "Man, I love these beautiful short snappy and emotional pop tunes. Sweet music to greet summer, love and life to. Dig em´!" - Kenneth Tonef A lot of this record reminds us of Sire-period Searchers – a GREAT thing for sure! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Hills of the Universe Price: $15.00 Artist: Athanor Description: SOLD OUT!! Singer/songwriter Greg Herriges and lead guitarist Rick Vittenson (a/k/a Athanor) met on the steps of the Highland Park, IL Recreation Center in the summer of 1965, just as The Beatles’ album “Help!” was released. Both avid rock mavens (with roots back to Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dion and the Belmonts, and The Beach Boys), they formed a group called the 4-to-Go when Greg was a high school sophomore and Rick was a junior. The group broke up, as groups eventually do, and they each joined other bands. In 1973 Greg and Rick reunited. Greg had completed school out of state, while Rick had begun working with both the NME and Crawdaddy! Magazine. When Greg returned to Illinois for work as a teacher - his profession to this day, including teaching a course on the Beatles – he put together a home studio. After time spent away from performing he called on his old friend, and thus Athanor was born. Three mellow-heavy singles were issued in the early-to-mid ‘70s. Sitting inside the circle which occupies such early ‘70s/post-‘60s psych-pop/rock burnouts as Creme Soda and Drywater, Athanor is not pure underground esoterica, as they dose their damage with an ear bent towards P-O-P, which separates it from the sea of pretenders. In 2013 and 2014, two LPs of material from this period were released on the Guerssen Records label outta Spain, and both received rave reviews. Buoyed by the success of these two LPs, Greg and Rick spent three years recording an album of all new original songs for this, their Kool Kat Musik label debut – “Hills of the Universe”. For this project they invited seasoned rock instrumentalists to contribute - Chris Drehobl (former drummer of legendary Chicago band The Mauds), Quent Lang (former saxophone and flute player of The Mauds), Jeff Murphy (of Shoes), guitar virtuoso Harry Reinhart (Midnight, Traffic Jam and Skip Towne and The Greyhounds), John Belpedio (bass player for Almost Joe and Mid-Life Crisis), and Brian Cremins (of Pet Theories). Recording engineer John Towner helped them achieve the full sound they were looking for, and he even added synthesized strings on a few tracks. It has taken over four decades to realize this latest Athanor recording project, but they continue to play, and Greg is already writing the songs for the next album. “They are a perfect compliment for fans of other rare psych-pop bands like Lazy Smoke, Creme Soda, and The Only Ones.” – Powerpopaholic.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Death Of A Western Heart Price: $9.00 Artist: B-Leaguers Description: Remember The Popdogs? After gaining some great press and reviews for their debut album, “Cool Cats For Pop Dogs”, it came as a complete surprise when they called it a day. Not down for long, Popdogs main man James Styring and some new mates are back with a vengeance, with a new moniker, a new attitude, and lots of loud, crunchy guitars as they deliver seven killer tracks that not only grab you by the throat and refuse to let go, but at the same time capture the pop sensibilities, massive melodies and HUGE choruses that Popdogs fans have come to expect. “The Phoenix may be a creature of legend, of implausible birth and dramatic happenstance but it is a being to whom much is owed, especially when describing a band to whom out of various embers have arisen and offered a glimpse of the new Power Pop/Pop Punk sensation that will surely blow the socks off and enthuse the minds of those that come to hear of them over the next couple of months and beyond as this album takes hold. The Phoenix has a name in this circumstance, not content with just to be seen as a mythical beast on the prowl in the flat lands of Lincoln, no longer seen to be a separate animal with four journey’s under its belt, B-leaguers are a group to whom, if there is justice in this creaking world, many will come to admire for bringing back an attitude to the genre that has been sadly missing, that of the elegant smile and hearty enjoyment. With The Popdogs’ James Styring on vocals and giving the lyrics substantial meat, Ched Howard’s bruising guitars and Mikey Barraclough and Mark Barrett offering a bass and drum section that keeps the groove upbeat and upmarket, this collective of four individuals makes a team that rock, that offer class in abundance. Their debut isn’t just a rebirth of four distinct ideals, it is a offering to a new belief, the death they speak of is only in the past, this is very much a set of songs firmly entrenched in the idea of preserving life and making it sing with fascination and glory, it is the beast that never forgot how to roar and whilst the phoenix may revel in the lick of the fire to be reborn, B-Leaguers are the ones stoking it with piles of black coal. In tracks such as ‘Amnesia’, ‘Canyons (Suburbs and Centres)’ and the excellent ‘Lemonade’, the group pass all expectations and the world, once devoid of sentiment in the heart of Lincolnshire now seems to buzz with excitement once more and it is an association that will be grasped fully and with true intent, the phoenix has risen, the fire is ablaze.” – Ian D. Hall/Liverpool Sound & Vision “Unleash the dogs of pop! This is power-pop with a razor's edge and a pneumatic drill. But what makes it still inhabit that world where everything always makes sense are the melodies soaring above the controlled aggression, summed up by Styring's pure pop vocal. B-Leaguers are certs for the play-offs!” - John Bottomley/Bucketfull of Brains GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none