Marc Valentine - Uncommon Side Effects.

 

Despite the majority of opinion that Power Pop was started in the UK, the majority these days seems to come from the States. There are exceptions like The Speedways, but it has been fairly absent since late 70s New Wave and a little bit of Brit Pop, despite the best efforts of David Bash's IPO.

Power Pop just doesn't seem to break through into the mainstream, the last time was probably Busted and McFly. However, there is a chance with the ongoing strength of Norwich's Marc Valentine's back catalogue.

I'm a big fan of the man, having covered 2023's Future Obscure here and 2024's Basement Kiss here. Both are great albums, largely Classic Power Pop, but both have twists as does Uncommon Side Effects. The Power Pop is superb.

It has all you might expect, great intros, killer riffs, big choruses and top notch guitar solos. The joy on the 80s sounding NY UAP is evident to all and the call and response is wonderful, as are the keys and the Guitar solo. But the Power Pop on both Tiger On Glass and You Are The Jet are just as good.

High In The Underground is rockier with a Jangle that seems desperate to get out, but never quite manages  it. The chunkier sound suits Valentine well. Hanging On A Dream edges towards UK Glam Rock whilst not losing that Power Pop feel and has an unexpected diversion in the middle.

Half-Moon Pendant slows things down beautifully with a splendid arrangement. Temporary Buzz is much edgier, 100 mph and more raw that what else is on show, Marc Valentine masters the genre and lights up Little Steven's Wicked Cool label.

You can listen to the whole album here. You can buy the Vinyl and CD here.

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