Although their moniker sounds like it should be hung on a punk band, The Loveblisters have crafted a seven-song EP full of fine ’70s influenced power pop. Guitarist/vocalist Rob Kroehler knows the value of a good hook and a strong melody, building tight tunes around complex chord changes, booming riffs and terrific vocal harmonies that recall bands like Velvet Crush and The Candyskins. Three of the songs here were recorded with local über-producer Bob Hoag. These are the best cuts on the disc, especially the absolutely stunning “Soundtrack for Summer” which features an easy-going groove and Beach Boys-style harmonies. Coming on the heels of fine releases by Reubens Accomplice and Before Braille, this self-titled disc announces the arrival of another great pop band in the Valley. A

Next show: 10 p.m. Friday at Undici Undici, 1111 S. Longmore, Mesa, . $5, all ages.
Web site: www.theloveblisters.com

— by Chris Holly, Get Out

Colorstore
‘Heavy Sleeps’

Originally starting life as a side project for Mark Erickson and The Sweet Bleeders’ Robin Vining, Colorstore has released a five song EP with material that, side project or not, many bands would be jealous of. Vining and Erickson each play an assortment of instruments on the disc including cello, upright bass, piano, guitar, synths, theremin and other electronic gadgetry that burbles underneath the surface throughout the disc.

The multi-instrumentalists also prove themselves fine songwriters, crafting crisp pop numbers like the Bowie-esque “Strange Summer” and “Skinny Little Pop Star,” which is a T. Rex-styled pop tune with electronica elements. Experimentation on the slow tune “Loosedream, Heavy Sleeps” is less effective than on the upbeat numbers such as “Shelter And The Ice Age,” but the production inventiveness gives these pop songs a different feel than many of their contemporaries and makes this disc an enjoyable listen. A-

Next show: 8 p.m. Friday at AUX, 222 N. Fifth Ave., Phoenix, . $5, all ages.
Web site: www.colorstore.net

— by Chris Holly, Get Out