Marc Valentine
Unseen Side Effects
***and1/2 out of *****
The Norwich, England based Marc Valentine returns to the spotlight with his brand of power pop as Unseen Side Effects is his crackling third solo album. The direct, twenty eight minute offering was produced by Stevie Van Zandt and Dave Draper, and the tunes arrive on Little Steven's Wicked Cool Records, vibrating with energy and rocking force.
Opening with bright organ, cutting guitars and slapping drums, "NY UAP" sets a dynamic tone as slightly heavy power pop boarders on poppy punk with it's rambling style. Valentine pumps up the swagger with touches of glam rock seeping into the first single "High In the Underground" while banging drums propel "The Other Side" which delivers a soaring chorus and sweet riffs in enjoyable fashion.
Things dip a bit for both the one note offering "You Are The Jet" and the restrained "Loneliest Part" as synths and isolated lyrics drag a touch. Much better are the clinking chimes, organ, motoring drums and sweet harmonies of "Tiger On Glass", a track that cooks with rabid energy, displaying a fun, catchy sound influenced by The Exploding Hearts.
Unseen Side Effects wraps up with a strong four song run. "Hanging On A Dream" is quick, yet anthemic in a Bruce Springsteen pop way. Acoustic strums from Valentine and haunting, ominous strings color atmospheric "Half-Moon Pendant" before the heaviest pop punk offering, "Temporary Buzz" crashes out of the gate with added hand claps and Blink-182 style.
The short album wraps up with "When The Light Has Gone" which dips back into '50's style rock as background singers get the hips swinging. Bouncing between poppy punk, power pop and good old fashioned rock and roll, Valentine and company shake rattle and roll their way through those Unseen Side Effects.
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