Browsing Tag

80s Pop Rock

Rooftop Screamers & Randy McStine – Souvenirs: A Mesmeric Prog-Pop-Rock Keepsake of Nostalgia and Emotion

Posted on 20 October 2024

In Souvenirs, Rooftop Screamers, the passion project of Mike Collins, pulled from his well of diverse musical influences and delivered a sonic experience that echoes through the past and present. With Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree) and Mark Plati (David Bowie) lending their talents, the track captures the bitter-sweetness of nostalgic reflection to transmit an affecting ode to the beauty of mementoes and the sorrow of losing touch with people who have shaped your soul.

The choral pop-rock energy of the song, tinged with prog-rock guitar motifs, rises and falls like waves of memories rushing through the psyche. Shimmering 80s chords lift the track into an almost celestial realm, while the melancholic lyrics drag you back to Earth with a gravity that’s hard to shake. You’ll find yourself torn between the elation of the instrumentals and the heaviness of the message which we can all relate to. We’ve all been there as protagonists in the universally resonant vignette after loving in losing, whether that person is no longer with us, or we’ve just shifted with different tides.

Every Rooftop Screamers release reveals a new avenue of Collins’ ingenuity, and Souvenirs is no different. Much like every other triumph in his discography, you’re still led to the same emotionally scintillating destination with the single that hits just as hard as the Christmas song that always knows which evocative triggers to pull. There really is no overstating the impact of this stellar slice of proggy 80s pop rock.

Souvenirs was officially released on October 11; stream the single on Spotify now.

Keep up to date with all the latest Rooftop Screamers singles via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Wagner Gracciano became the definition of emotional depth in ‘I’m Here’

Posted on 17 September 2024

Wagner Gracciano’s single, I’m Here, from his sophomore album, The History of Mark Beck, is a veritable smorgasbord of stylistic influence and innovative substance which will transport rock fans back to an era when Chris Isaak dominated the airwaves.

With soul-drenched production, sensual RnB touches weave through a tight mesh of rock guitar lines, classic pop harmonies, and the shimmer of organ keys, creating a unique gospel of pop rock. As diverse as the track is, the seamless cohesion pulls everything together in a sublime display of genre fluidity.

‘I’m Here’ makes a bold statement of passion and dedication, showing that romance isn’t as dead as we perceive it to be as Gracciano exhibits his forte in transcending the confines of genre labels and creating utopias of euphonia with his songwriting. With each listen, there’s a deepened appreciation for the superlative arrangement and emotive depth that defines the track.

As a multi-talented guitarist, composer, and producer, Wagner Gracciano has spent over 25 years mastering his craft across genres such as progressive rock, blues rock, jazz, fusion, RnB, and heavy metal. The History of Mark Beck (2024) showcases his affectingly immersive lyricism and Grammy-worthy compositions, with guest appearances from Cleveland P. Jones, Carlos Zema, and Rachael Da Silva. Supported by world-class musicians such as Charles Judge, Michael Webb, and Adair Daufembach’s pristine production, Wagner’s vision is undeniably realised.

I’m Here is now available to stream with Wagner Gracciano’s sophomore LP, The History of Mark Beck on Spotify and all major platforms.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Christian & Gospel sensation Remilekun radiated redemption in her latest single, WORTHY

Posted on 5 March 2023

80s-ESQUE Pop-rock and Christian & Gospel rarely converge, but the up-and-coming celestial soulstress, Remilekun proved that spellbindingly redemptive things happen when they do in her latest single, WORTHY, which officially released on February 24th.

With guitar solos that will stir the souls of anyone pious for Prince against the salvation-soaked high harmonic stretches and the lyrics that work with the sole aim of reaching out to anyone feeling the sting of self-perceived worthlessness, the single is an essential extension of hope.

Feeling unworthy is a dangerous trap to fall into, but one that depression and unlucky circumstances can dangle a carrot in front of and allow us to plunge into the murky depths of, but as so elevatedly exhibited by Remilekun, stepping into the light is always an option. No matter who you are, where you have been, or what you have done.

Stream the official lyric video for WORTHY by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

80s icon, Rocketball 007 has made a spacey comeback with his single, I Can’t Look at You Enough

Posted on 10 November 2022

Originally formed in the 80s and with multiple 7” records on the Punk Collector’s List, we’re stoked to have Rocketball 007’s latest single, I Can’t Look at You Enough, in our ears.

With a sound frequently assimilated yet rarely authenticated, the synth-driven, spacey-with-romanticism single would be right at home on the Wild at Heart soundtrack. Through the crooning into the reverb vocals and the scintillating retro analog synths, which stab right into the beating heart of the atmospheric release, it imparts ample neon synaesthesia. Any true 80s pop fans will want to jump on I Can’t Look at You Enough like cats on catnip. It isn’t every day that you get to revel in the real visceral deal.

I Can’t Look at You Enough is now on Spotify, and Rocketball 007’s entire discography is available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Terry McGee – Falling for You: Sensually Hypnotic 80s Rock

Posted on 2 October 2020

Artist, composer and producer Terry McGee has made an ever-lasting impression on the airwaves with their distinct guitar driven retro sound. You’ll get to hear the best of it by hitting play on the standout track “Falling for You” which can be found on their 2020 album “Beside Myself”.

If you love your aural nostalgia served with a side of ingenuity, you’ll find it all too easy to become enamoured by Terry McGee’s tonally hypnotic instrumentals which are complemented by their 80s Pop-style vocals.

Any fans of Brian Adams and Hughey Lewis and the News will be left with no choice when it comes to falling into the amorously emotive soundscape, although I’m not entirely sure which brings more sensual appeal, the vocals or the solos.

You can check out Falling for You along with the rest of Terry McGee’s album via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast