Speedfossil

One of the most frustrating aspects of this pandemic has been the push me/pull me nature of going to shows. During this recent outburst, I have been avoiding them like, well, like the plague. The effluent curve finally says that shit is getting better. OK, time to go out and hear some live music. I broke quarantine at The Porch in Medford with Speedfossil and Modern Day Idols on the night of an ice storm.

Speedfossil sport pop smarts to spare. Honcho Garrett Vandermolen could be the long-lost bastard love child of John, Paul, and Pat DiNizio born on a power-pop jag. They do the jingle jangle with a bit of bite and a handful of dirt on Dan Jordon's guitar. They exploit the stops and starts. This substitute drummer had one practice session under his sticks and hit the spot with a musical style and the right amount of measured muscle for the band. Vandermolen's switch to keys for two tunes including the video single "Luckiest Man in the World" introduces a spark of mid-set variety.

Speedfossil

Speedfossil (a neologism from a teenage buddy) has a new disk - NO ANESTHESIA - coming out on Red on Red in April. Their upcoming video single is "Living the Dream". They play a hooked up, nod, wink, and side-eye power pop.

Modern Day Idols

Modern Day Idols paint from a broader pop pallet. The songs often sound like they were born on main man Chris Wagner's big white acoustic. The tunes tend to wear their collective heart on their singer-songwriter sleeve. He's a thoughtful, emotionally honest, sing it to the cheap seats kind of everyman. The band is tight. Drummer Stephen Hart mugs and kicks it hard on a busy kit. Esteemed local gunslinger Tony Savarino adds the tasty, hot licks. The guest keyboard player fits the bill. Whereas most of the bands I hear, if they get a break, get it in the new world version of left of the dial the Modern Day Idols seem to aspire to something more further up the populist dial.

Modern Day Idols

Modern Day Idols

Modern Day Idol

Speedfossil

Speedfossil

Speedfossil