Mind Spiders - "No Romance"

Apparently, while always excellent garage rockers the Marked Men are on hiatus, co-singer/songwriter/guitarist Mark Ryan decided he wanted to explore some of his other interests in 60's pop and lo-fi. However, he never strays too far away from catchy rock n' roll, as evident on "No Romance" (mp3), a short burst of rapid-fire drumming guitar riffs, all wrapped up in a pop melody.

White Wires - "Be True To Your School (Til You Get Kicked Out)"

I was a bit slow to pick up the White Wires self-titled debut, but loved it when I finally did. So I am pretty stoked to find out that I won't have to wait very long for their new album, WWII, which comes out in November on Portland's Dirtnap Records. Judging from "Be True To Your School (Til You Get Kicked Out)" (mp3) it should be full of ultra catchy power pop and buzzing garage rock. Always a winning combination.

The Goodnight Loving - Supper Club (2010)

On their recently released album, Supper Club, The Goodnight Loving continue to shed the twang in favor of fuzzy garage pop. While I loved the country punk of their early albums, I dig the retro party vibe. "The Pan" (mp3) sounds like a roughed up and snotty Beach Boys stomper with a sweet riff in the middle, while "Earworm" fulfills on its promise, loading the song with a catchy chorus, surf guitar and some shrieks of joy. At fifteen songs, there is plenty to enjoy, whether it is how "Summer Dreams" recalls British Invasion or "Bike + Stick" retains some of their country roots. I missed their set at last year's garage festival, but since their album just came out on Portland's Dirtnap Records, I bet that they'll be back soon.

You can stream the album over at Punknews.org.